Oyster Sauce Substitute – Hi everyone, how are you? I hope you all are well. In this article, we will discuss the substitutes of oyster sauce. There are several substitute options for oyster sauce for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets, such as soy, fish, teriyaki, and other sauces.

If you require oyster sauce to prepare a dish and don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with other condiments.

Oyster sauce is a sweet condiment made from oyster juices, salt, and sugar. It also boasts taste, which is a spicy, tangy flavor. It’s primarily used in Thai and Chinese dishes, dipping sauces, stir-fries, and meat marinades.

Oyster sauce’s flavor is somewhere between soya and fish sauce. Its texture is syrupy and thick and dark brown. A good substitute should comprise all these textures and flavors.

Below are some of the substitutes for oyster sauce.

1. Fish sauce

Fish sauce can remain a substitute for oyster sauce even though it is not perfect. The sauce is made from fermented fish and is thinner in consistency than the oyster sauce. It tastes salty and has a lesser amount of sweetness. Fish sauce is suitable for dishes with a fishy taste, such as stir-fried fish, as this dish will not be overpowered by it.

2. Soy sauce

Soy sauce, a universal pantry staple, is an easy substitute for oyster sauce. It’s also vegetarian and vegan, making it apt for those who don’t eat seafood.

Though, soy sauce is thinner and saltier than oyster sauce. If you use it in a dish for oyster sauce, consider adding sugar to make the dish sweeter. It would be best to use less than what is stated for oyster sauce to avoid making the dish too salty.

Sweet soy sauce, or Indonesian kecap manis, is an even more appropriate substitute and can be found at Asian food markets or specialty stores. If you prefer a gluten-free option, tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce made from fermented soybeans, is best.

3. Hoisin sauce

Hoisin sauce is a tasty Chinese condiment with a thick texture and hints of umami, sweet, and tangy taste. It’s reminiscent of barbecue sauce and can remain made with variable ingredients, like garlic, vinegar, and chili paste.

Hoisin can be substituted in a 1-to-1 ratio as it is consistent with oyster sauce. However, depending on its ingredients, it may have a more potent flavor, so it’s better to use a smaller amount.

You can use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for stir-fries and marinades. It’s naturally suitable for vegetarian or vegan recipes.

4. Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce

Worcestershire sauce is made from anchovies, whereas oyster sauce remains made from oysters. Together, they have an umami taste from these ingredients and can remain used interchangeably, with some changes. Mix Worcestershire sauce with sugar and soy sauce and use a small quantity to make it an appropriate substitute for oyster sauce.

If you’re preparing a stir-fry or marinade, start with mostly soy sauce, mix a small quantity of sugar, then add a few drops of Worcestershire. This mixture should be very flavorful without overpowering the dish.

5. Teriyaki sauce

Since it has the same consistency, teriyaki sauce works better than oyster sauce in a pinch. It’s sweeter than oyster sauce as it’s made with sugar from soy sauce, besides sake or mirin.

In particular, teriyaki sauce is a good substitute for oyster sauce in noodle dishes and stir-fries. It is also used in marinades and dipping sauces.

Conclusion

Oyster sauce is a tasty addition to many Chinese, Thai, and other Asian dishes. However, it may not be available all the time. Luckily, there are numerous possible substitutes for this condiment. Some offer the same textures, while others almost meet the taste of oyster sauce. There are also choices for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets.