Oyster sauce is an integral part of Chinese recipes. It is somewhat similar to Hoisin. This rich and syrup-like sauce is made using an extract from oyster but it does not taste similar to fish or seafood. It has a slightly sweet, earthy, and salty taste. It is prepared by mixing boiled oyster juices that are caramelized and then sugar and salt are added to it. Some type of this cooking sauce also contains soy sauce added to it which is then thickened using cornstarch. It is dark brown and sometimes can be black too with a thick consistency. It can be used for both vegetables as well as meat dishes especially in Thai, Cantonese, and Vietnamese cuisines.
Some people confuse it with Hoisin sauce, but they are different and used differently in Chinese cooking. Hoisin is a vegan sauce that is made using fermented soybeans in addition to chilies, garlic, sugar, and five-spice powder. It is mainly used in dishes like chicken lettuce wraps and moo shu pork. Oyster variant can be used along with other sauces or on its own or can be drizzled on steamed vegetables to give a finishing touch. Stir-fry recipes are best suited for use of this premium oyster sauce. The food gets a glossy appearance because of the velvety texture of this ingredient.
This product has a strong flavor that can be overwhelming if added in large quantities. Mix it with other products such as mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar, and then cook it briefly with meat or vegetables to coat. While garnishing, it should be poured directly from the bottle on the cooked dish. The taste is a mix of barbeque and soy sauce. There is a lot of umami in the best oyster sauce. It is possible to buy this product of multiple brands online as well as from the Asian section of supermarkets. Low-quality variants will taste fishy and might contain caramel and MSG in their ingredient list.
If the bottle or can is not opened then it can be stored for a year, but after opening it should be refrigerated. There it can stay for six months. Canned ones should be transferred to a jar before refrigeration. The cooking essentials contain only 9 calories per tablespoon. It is having a lot of flavors and is best suited for those looking to lose weight without compromising on taste. The product does not contain cholesterol and there is no fat in it too. The sodium content of the product is high, but it can vary according to the brand. Read the label for details carefully before you buy. Grab a bottle of this sauce for making your favorite Chinese recipe today.