Adjust saltiness by using more or less fish sauce, hoisin sauce, or salt (depending on the substitute you choose). Oyster sauce boasts a distinct umami flavor that is both sweet and salty. The mixture usually consists of oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Soy sauce gives the condiment its savory depth, while a blend of sugar and salt provides the unique combination of sweetness and saltiness that characterizes its taste. Common Uses in Cooking Maekrua - The most popular Thai brand of oyster sauce. When you say “oyster sauce,” the woman on the label is the image that comes to mind for most Thai people (at least ones from my generation and older!) It costs slightly more than Panda, but not as much as Boat Lady. Maekrua is harder to find around here, and is usually available only in stores that carry a lot of Southeast Asian products. Oyster sauce boosts the immune system and prevents many health issues and conditions! It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells against damage from oxidation. So, eating gluten-free oyster sauce on a regular basis may be just what you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Chinese Dishes: From traditional recipes to contemporary adaptations, oyster sauce gluten-free variants are perfect for dishes like broccoli beef or shrimp stir-fry. In Thai cuisine, it’s a member of what I call "the trinity of Thai sauces.” Along with soy sauce and fish sauce, it’s a staple in every Thai kitchen, and many people use it daily. The Origin Story I usually buy LKK Boat Lady because of ones that are easily accessible to me, it’s the best. But whenever I make a trip to the Thai store, I will grab a bottle of Maekrua because it’s what I grew up with, and the bottle really has a nostalgic effect on me. One of the biggest advantages of our oyster sauce bottle is that it’s light weighted. Traditional sauces are served in glass bottles, which can be difficult to carry around.Serv. Size: 1 Tbsp (15mL), Amount Per Serving: Calories 25, Total Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol (not listed), Sodium 820mg, Total Carb. 5g, Sugars 4g, Protein 1g. ( source) As shown in the table, soy sauce has slightly fewer calories and higher protein content compared to oyster sauce. Hoisin sauce, on the other hand, has higher calorie, fat, and fiber content. Flavor Differences The weight of a glass bottle, coupled with its slippery texture, makes it hard to hold without dropping. On the other hand, our squeeze bottles are easy to hold. They have also been designed with an ergonomic grip that is not only easier to carry but also minimizes fatigue after prolonged use.

You may also say that oyster sauce completes the Chinese cuisine because, without it, you might not get the signature umami-rich flavors. Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce has a unique sweet and salty flavor, with a hint of spiciness. This sauce is made from fermented soybeans, sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices. While it has umami notes, its flavor profile is otherwise distinct from oyster sauce.

Buyer’s Guide

Yes. My vegetarian oyster sauce is also vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30. The vegetarian substitute oyster sauce is made with shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger root, salt, coconut aminos, mushroom water, and dates. The ingredients are completely vegan and easy to make. Recipes you can make with the sauce If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can create an alternative by mixing soy sauce with sugar. The combination of salty soy sauce and sweet sugar creates a balanced flavor profile that mimics oyster sauce’s sweetness and saltiness. Mix one tablespoon of soy sauce with half a tablespoon of sugar to replace a tablespoon of oyster sauce. Fish Sauce with Sweet Soy Sauce Yes, you get vegetarian oyster sauce in the market. The vegetarian alternative is made with mushrooms, mushroom water, ginger root, salt, and a few other ingredients like dates, coconut amino, etc.

This includes gluten-laden ingredients, tree nuts, and other allergens too. Also, some brands may not label their product as gluten-free even if they don’t contain wheat or other gluten-related ingredients. Most oyster sauce adds wheat starch making the condiment unsafe for people on a no gluten diet. But there are lots of brands out there making gluten free oyster sauce that’s safe for people who can’t consume gluten. It’s a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes and with its signature salty-sweet oyster flavor, brings a ton of flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Oyster sauce is traditionally made with oyster extract and wheat flour, but this one is made with corn starch instead of wheat, which makes it gluten free.

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This homemade vegan oyster sauce recipe looks, tastes, and smells like oyster sauce, but is completely free of shellfish. It's also gluten-free, has a soy-free option, and is made with a handful of simple ingredients.