Oyster sauce is a popular condiment used in many Asian cuisines like Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking. Its rich savory taste makes a fantastic addition to stir-fries marinades, braises, and other dishes. But if you’ve never cooked with oyster sauce before, you may be wondering – where can I find oyster sauce at my local grocery store?
In this article, I’ll break down the most likely places to locate oyster sauce in grocery stores and specialty markets. With these tips, you’ll know exactly where to look to find that bottle of oyster sauce to take your Asian cooking to the next level!
What is Oyster Sauce?
First, a quick primer on what exactly oyster sauce is Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce commonly used in Cantonese and Southeast Asian cooking It is made by slowly simmering oysters in water until the natural juices caramelize into a flavorful, umami-rich sauce.
The main ingredients are typically oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings. It provides a salty-sweet flavor that adds a wonderful depth and savoriness to all kinds of dishes. While it contains oyster extracts, oyster sauce doesn’t actually taste overtly like oysters themselves.
Check the International Aisle
The most obvious place to begin your search is in the international foods aisle. This section goes by various names like ethnic foods, Asian foods, or global foods depending on the store. Scan this section for the usual suspects:
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Curry pastes
Oyster sauce is commonly stocked alongside these ingredients since it is fundamental in many Asian cuisines. Check the shelves carefully, as sometimes the oyster sauce selection may be small or poorly labeled. If you don’t immediately see it, read all the sauce labels closely.
Many grocery stores only carry one or two brands of oyster sauce. Popular options to look for include Lee Kum Kee, Kikkoman and Dragonfly.
Check the Asian/Chinese Section
If your grocery store has a specific Chinese or broader Asian foods section, head there next. Large supermarkets will often have a dedicated aisle for products from across Asia.
Here you may find oyster sauce alongside other Chinese essentials like:
- Hoisin sauce
- Chili oil
- Rice noodles
- Potstickers
- Wonton wrappers
This section may have a wider selection of oyster sauce brands and styles, potentially including low-sodium or gluten-free varieties. Again, read the labels closely and look high and low on the shelves.
Ask for Assistance
Don’t be afraid to flag down a worker if you’re still struggling to locate the oyster sauce after scouring the international and Asian sections. Employees that frequently stock these aisles can point you right to the oyster sauce.
Describe what the bottle looks like – thick, brown sauce in a glass jar – and ask if they know where it’s shelved. They may lead you to a section you already checked but missed seeing it.
Try Specialty Grocers
If your regular supermarket comes up short, head to an Asian specialty market instead. These shops will have a much wider range of Chinese ingredients and condiments.
Head straight to the sauces and condiments aisle where you’ll likely find an entire shelf packed with different oyster sauce brands and varieties. You can also ask a worker for assistance here if needed.
While more expensive, they may also offer high-end or gourmet oyster sauce options not found in regular stores. This is a great place to shop if you cook Asian cuisine frequently.
Buy Online
Another option is to purchase oyster sauce online. Amazon and online Asian grocery stores like Yamibuy carry a huge selection of brands, styles, and quantities.
Buying online allows you to easily compare ingredients, prices, and reviews before choosing what to purchase. It also saves you the effort of searching multiple shops to find what you need.
Just be mindful of high shipping costs for heavy glass bottles, and the need to be home to receive the package.
What Else to Look For
While shopping for oyster sauce, keep an eye out for these other useful items:
- Hoisin sauce – sweet and spicy Chinese condiment
- Fish sauce – pungent, salty Thai and Vietnamese staple
- Chili garlic sauce – spicy condiment great for stir-fries
- Mirin – sweet Japanese rice wine used in cooking
- Shaoxing wine – key Chinese rice wine for sauces
- Rice vinegar – mild vinegar made from fermented rice
- Sesame oil – aromatic oil for marinades and dressings
- Wonton wrappers – essential for making dumplings at home
Having these ingredients on hand makes whipping up delicious Asian dishes at home quick and easy.
Storing Oyster Sauce
Once you get your hands on that precious bottle of oyster sauce, be sure to store it properly to preserve freshness.
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Store unopened oyster sauce bottles in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight.
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Once opened, transfer to the refrigerator. Use within 4-6 months for best quality.
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Look for any mold, thickening, or strange smells before using, as oyster sauce can spoil.
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Some separation is normal, simply stir well before use.
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Keep the lid tightly sealed and clean around the rim after each use.
Following these storage guidelines keeps your oyster sauce tasting great. Now get out there and cook up some mouthwatering Asian dishes! From stir-fries to dipping sauces, oyster sauce is a versatile kitchen hero.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oyster sauce taste like?
Oyster sauce has a rich, savory taste that is sweet, salty, and slightly briny. It provides wonderful umami flavor but doesn’t actually taste overtly fishy or oyster-ey.
How is oyster sauce used?
Oyster sauce is commonly used as a base flavoring for stir-fries, noodle dishes, sauces, and marinades. A little goes a long way to add deep, savory taste.
Does oyster sauce contain oysters?
Yes, traditionally oyster sauce is made by boiling and reducing oysters down to a rich sauce. Now some brands use oyster extracts rather than whole oysters.
Is there a vegetarian oyster sauce?
Yes, vegetarian oyster sauces are made using mushrooms instead of oysters. They mimic a similar savory umami taste.
Can oyster sauce be substituted?
You can substitute oyster sauce with a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, or mushrooms. The flavor won’t be exact but can work in a pinch.
Is oyster sauce gluten-free?
Oyster sauce often contains wheat. Check the label carefully if you need a gluten-free option. Some brands make gluten-free oyster sauces.