Oyster Sauce
What is Oyster Sauce?
Oyster sauce is a common condiment used in Chinese cuisines. It is a savory sauce made from oyster extracts, corn starch (creating its thick syrup texture), MSG and caramel (colour). It is used both in meat and vegetables dishes, in addition to soy sauce to enhance food flavours. It has a salty, sweet taste, but is not overwhelming. It is suitable for marinating meat, stir-frying meat and vegetables, etc.
Favourite types of oyster sauce in Singapore
Most sought after brands are the Panda oyster sauce, Lee Kum Kee oyster sauce and Woh Hup oyster sauce.
Panda Brand Oyster Sauce
Panda oyster sauce is customers’ favourite brand. It is considered a basic oyster sauce as its texture is not as thick and flavourful as the other premium brands, hence is more affordable. It is manufactured by Lee Kum Kee, which also produces the original traditional premium version.
Lee Kum Kee Premium Brand Oyster Sauce
This is the traditional oyster sauce that originated in 1888, which is called the Lee Kum Kee premium oyster sauce. The boat and lady picture on the bottle differentiates it from the Panda brand, as both are made by Lee Kum Kee. The premium oyster sauce is made from high quality oyster extracts. It is thicker, more flavourful and is priced at 50% higher than the Panda brand.
Woh Hup Oyster Sauce
Woh Hup Oyster Sauce goes very well in many dishes. Shiitake Mushroom Vegetarian Oyster Flavoured Sauce, which is a favourite dish for vegetarians.
What can it be used for?
Oyster sauce can be used as a marinade sauce, barbecue sauce, dipping sauce or added to stir fry dishes. Its flavour compliments with most ingredients, especially vegetables, tofu, mushroom, seafood, beans, meat and poultry. It can be added to noodles, soup, and stew to enhance the flavours.
Important Note!
- As salt, sugar and MSG are the main ingredients in addition to oyster extract, do not add salt and sugar to your dishes, as it will taste too salty or sweet.
- Add oyster sauce at the last stage of your cooking soup or stew meat, to prevent losing its flavours.
- Oyster sauce can be used as a marinade to remove the meat or seafood smell.
Health benefits
Oyster sauce contains MSG, salt and sugar. Do not consume it in huge quantities.