Are you a fan of Asian cuisine but don’t have oyster sauce on hand?
Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes you can use to achieve that sweet, salty, and umami flavor.
From fish sauce to teriyaki sauce, soy sauce to hoisin sauce, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the best alternatives to oyster sauce and how to use them in your favorite recipes.
So put on your apron and get ready to whip up some delicious dishes without oyster sauce.
What Can You Use In Place Of Oyster Sauce?
Fish sauce is a great substitute for oyster sauce, especially in dishes that already have a fishy taste. It has a thinner consistency and a stronger fish flavor, with more saltiness and less sweetness than oyster sauce.
Teriyaki sauce can also work as a substitute, particularly when used as a glaze. It has a sweet and sometimes smoky flavor, made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, cornstarch, and water. You can either make your own or use bottled versions for convenience.
For quick substitutes, soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, or hoisin sauce can be used. Soy sauce is a good base and can be mixed with brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce to get closer to the texture of oyster sauce. Sweet soy sauce has the same salt and umami flavors as oyster sauce but with more sweetness. Hoisin sauce is equal parts sweet and salty and can be substituted in equal quantities.
If you want to get even closer to the taste of oyster sauce, you can mix soy sauce and hoisin sauce in equal amounts. This combination will come closest to checking all the boxes for that sweet, salty, and umami flavor that oyster sauce provides.
Why You Might Need A Substitute For Oyster Sauce
There are several reasons why you might need a substitute for oyster sauce. Firstly, oyster sauce is not suitable for those who are vegan or vegetarian, as it is made from oysters. Additionally, some people may have allergies to shellfish or simply not enjoy the taste of oyster sauce.
Another reason to use a substitute is if you don’t have oyster sauce on hand in your pantry. It can be frustrating to find a recipe that calls for oyster sauce and not have any available, especially if you don’t want to make a trip to the grocery store.
Furthermore, oyster sauce can be quite salty and some people may prefer a lower sodium option. In this case, using a substitute like Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce can provide a similar flavor profile with less salt content.
Lastly, using a substitute can be a way to add variety and experiment with different flavors in your cooking. Trying out different substitutes like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce can lead to new and exciting flavor combinations in your dishes.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a popular substitute for oyster sauce, especially in dishes that already have a fishy taste. Made from fermented fish, it has a thinner consistency and a stronger fish flavor than oyster sauce. It is also saltier and less sweet than oyster sauce.
Fish sauce is particularly suitable for flavorful dishes that can handle its strong taste, such as stir-fried fish. It can be used in place of oyster sauce at a 1-to-1 ratio in stir-fries, fried rice, and marinades. However, it may not be a good substitute for dishes that require the thicker consistency of oyster sauce.
If you are using fish sauce as a substitute for oyster sauce, keep in mind that it does not contain any sugar, unlike some brands of oyster sauce that can contain up to 4 grams of sugar per tablespoon. Additionally, some brands of oyster sauce may contain caramel color, which has potential carcinogenicity.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is one of the most common pantry staples and can be used as a quick substitute for oyster sauce. It has a distinct flavor that is associated with Asian cuisine, but it’s thinner and saltier than oyster sauce. Soy sauce lacks the complexity of flavors that come from the caramelizing process of producing oyster sauce.
To mimic the sweet and salty combo of oyster sauce, you can add a bit of sugar to your soy sauce. This is a simple way to use ingredients you already have at home and still have a nice flavor to your dish. Due to its thinner consistency, soy sauce works best for stir-fry dishes or marinades.
You can use soy sauce in an even 1:1 exchange for oyster sauce. However, it’s important to note that soy sauce is saltier than oyster sauce. Therefore, you should use less soy sauce than what is specified for oyster sauce to avoid making the dish too salty. A good rule of thumb is to add a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. If you want it sweeter or less sweet, you can adjust that amount as desired.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. It’s made from fermented soybeans and nothing else, making it gluten-free. Tamari tends to be a little thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, though the difference is minimal. If you’re using tamari as a substitute for oyster sauce, you’ll still need a thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a Chinese condiment that has a thick consistency and a unique flavor profile. It has hints of umami, sweet, and tangy tastes, which make it a great substitute for oyster sauce. Hoisin sauce is typically made with ingredients such as vinegar, chili paste, and garlic, and it is reminiscent of barbecue sauce.
Since hoisin sauce has a similar consistency to oyster sauce, it can usually be substituted in a 1-to-1 ratio. However, depending on the ingredients used in the hoisin sauce, it may have a more potent flavor, so you may want to use a smaller amount. Hoisin sauce is suitable for vegan or vegetarian recipes as well.
Consider using hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce for stir-fries and marinades. It has a warm fragrance of toasted spices like anise and cinnamon, and it has a sweet taste compared to the salty taste of oyster sauce. Hoisin sauce can also be used on its own or combined with soy sauce to get closer to the texture and flavor of oyster sauce.
To use hoisin sauce as a substitute for oyster sauce, you can simply swap it out in equal amounts. This makes it an easy and convenient option when you don’t have oyster sauce on hand. Overall, hoisin sauce is a versatile condiment that can add depth of flavor to your dishes and make them taste just as delicious as if you were using oyster sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a great substitute for oyster sauce because it has a similar consistency and flavor profile. It is sweeter than oyster sauce, with a combination of sugar, soy sauce, and sake or mirin. This sweetness makes it a good substitute for noodle dishes and stir-fries.
Traditionally, teriyaki sauce is made by cooking a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, cornstarch, and water until it thickens. However, there are many delicious bottled versions available that are more convenient. With its ease and tastiness, many home cooks are starting to add it to their stock of other go-to condiments and seasonings.
If you have a recipe that calls for oyster sauce but only have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can still use it as a substitute. Simply substitute 2 teaspoons of teriyaki sauce for 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. To get a more authentic oyster taste, you can also add some of the liquid from canned oysters to the teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce is also a great ingredient to have on hand for when you want to take your cooking up a notch. It can be used as a glaze for meats or vegetables, or as a marinade for tofu or tempeh. With its popularity on the rise, you may find your local grocery store has run out. If that’s the case, then you can use one of the other tasty substitutes until you can get your hands on the real thing.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is another option for a substitute for oyster sauce, but it requires some modifications to get the right flavor profile. This sauce is made from anchovies and has a fruity tang with a savory saltiness. It is commonly used in Western-style cooking but can also be used in Asian dishes with some adjustments.
To make Worcestershire sauce a suitable replacement for oyster sauce, it is recommended to mix it with soy sauce and sugar. Start by using mostly soy sauce as the base and adding a little sugar to balance out the flavors. Then, finish it off with a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to give it that burst of flavor without overpowering the dish.
If you want a more traditional Asian flavor, you can mix Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce in equal parts to replace one serving of oyster sauce. However, Worcestershire sauce is thinner in texture compared to oyster sauce, so it may need to be thickened for a closer match.
It is important to note that Worcestershire sauce contains fish, such as anchovies or fish sauce. Therefore, vegans and vegetarians should check the product label before purchasing Worcestershire sauce. Additionally, nutritionally, Worcestershire sauce is higher in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar than oyster sauce but lower in sodium. This makes it a good option for those looking for a low-sodium alternative.
