Oyster sauce is generally used in stir fry, but you can simply add it over steamed vegetables, in stews and soups, or even use it as a dip! Just a drizzle is enough to enhance the flavor of the food. When we say ‘a drizzle’, we mean it. The sauce has a strong flavor and can be a bit overpowering and salty if you use it in large quantities. Oyster sauce is a great alternative for those who are allergic to soy. But if you are allergic to shellfish, and still want to enjoy the flavors of oyster sauce, we have you covered. We have listed a vegan option for those who have been keeping away from a good Cantonese stir-fry because they can’t have shellfish.

In case you're allergic to oyster sauce or looking for a new twist on your favorite recipes, these alternatives may come in handy. 1. Soy sauce While all three are popular Asian condiments, oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts and has a sweet, savory, and slightly briny flavor. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and has a salty and umami taste. While both sauces add a salty and umami flavor to dishes, they have distinct tastes. Oyster sauce is sweeter and less salty than soy sauce. They can be used interchangeably in some recipes, but it’s essential to adjust the quantity and other seasonings to achieve the desired flavor. Is there a significant difference in taste between different brands of oyster sauce?There are occasions when special recipes call for the best quality ingredients, such as holiday feasts or dinner parties. In these instances, it's worth considering splurging on a higher-end oyster sauce like Megachef or Dragonfly Premium. Their distinctive, rich taste will truly set your dish apart and impress your guests. But remember: these premium sauces are best reserved for when you want to make an extraordinary culinary statement. Discovering Hidden Gems in Local Markets

For those on a tight budget, you'll be pleased to know that there are several excellent oyster sauces available at wallet-friendly prices. Brands like L.K.K Panda Oyster Sauce and Healthy Boy offer fantastic flavor profiles while remaining affordable, making them popular choices among home cooks. Splurging on Premium Oyster Sauces Lee Kum Kee produces a variety of oyster sauces that still encapsulate the home-style, traditional taste, including its Premium Oyster Sauce, Panda Brand Oyster Sauce (which also comes in a gluten-free version) and a Vegetarian Stir-Fry Sauce. Always opt for brands that offer authentic flavors. The origin of the sauce can often indicate its authenticity; for instance, sauces from Thailand or Hong Kong are often considered more genuine. Ingredients Left: LKK Boat Lady, winner of our taste test, contains the most amount of protein by volume by a long shot. Right: Healthy Boy, the loser of the taste test, has zero protein. What about the ingredient list? Different oyster sauces have unique tastes, ranging from sweet to salty. It's essential to choose a flavor profile that complements the dishes you intend to cook, whether it's a stir-fry or a seafood dish. Sodium Content

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So now that you know how these 4 sauces compare, but you’re at the store, and there are brands I didn’t cover here…what do you do? Well, as I shared in the video, thankfully we can still make an educated choice based on a few factors.