Oyster sauce is a rich, savory condiment made from oyster extracts, sugar,
salt, and often soy sauce or cornstarch. It’s thick, glossy, and full of umami
flavor—a cornerstone of Cantonese, Thai, and other East Asian cuisines.
🦪 What It's Made Of:
Oyster extract (from boiled oysters)
Sugar
Salt
Soy sauce (sometimes)
Cornstarch or caramel color (for thickness and appearance)
🌟 Flavor Profile:
Deeply savory
Slightly sweet
Not fishy, despite being made from oysters
Thick and glossy—similar in consistency to hoisin or thick soy sauce
Common Uses in Cooking:
🇨🇳 Chinese:
Stir-fries (beef & broccoli, chicken & bok choy)
Fried rice and chow mein
Marinades for meats or tofu
Vegetables tossed in oyster sauce (a classic side dish)
🇹🇭 Thai:
Used in sauces for noodles (like pad see ew) or meat glazes.
How to Use It:
Add 1–2 tablespoons to stir-fry sauces.
Combine with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chili for a full-flavored sauce.
Use as a base for quick Asian-style gravies.
🥢 Quick Stir-Fry Sauce Using Oyster Sauce:
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Add to veggies or meat near the end of cooking
❗ Tip:
Look for premium brands like Lee Kum Kee (Panda or Premium)—they
have more authentic oyster extract.
Vegetarian or vegan versions exist, made from mushrooms (labeled
vegetarian stir-fry sauce).
Would you like a recipe for a full stir-fry dish, or help creating a homemade
version of oyster sauce?