If you are a food lover like me, you know how much seasoning matters. Some may object, but a dish without a bit of seasoning doesn’t taste that good at all. You need to add a little magic so you cannot forget every bit of it. What makes my cooking tasty? My secret is oyster sauce.
Oyster sauce is the reason why my food is flavorful and has an aroma that you could not resist. Since the discovery of the first oyster sauce, plenty of brands already made the oyster sauce one of their leading products. The savory taste of the sauce continues to give joy to the art of cooking.
Hence, I make it a point to introduce to you the 10 finest oyster sauce brands that you can find in the market today.
1. KA-ME Oyster Sauce 7.10 Ounces (Case of 6)
This classic Asian sauce, prepared using a traditional recipe and the finest ingredients, is a must-have for every kitchen. Whether you’re marinating, dipping sauce, or stir-frying, this sauce imparts a unique and authentic Chinese flavor that’s hard to resist.
Personally, I love its rich and savory taste. It’s a game-changer, especially when you’re aiming for that genuine Asian touch in your dishes.
Key Features
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Brand | KA-ME |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Item Weight | 7.1 Ounces |
| Package Weight | 2.76 Kilograms |
- Great for fried rice and other dishes.
- Authentic and rich flavor.
- Versatile – can be used in marinades, seasonings, and as a condiment.
- Not easily available in some local stores.
- Some users might find the taste overpowering if not used in moderation.
2. Kikkoman Oyster Flavored Sauce
As we already know, many refer to the oyster sauce as the building block of many Asian foods. Kikkoman is an excellent brand to fit the said praise. This rich and thick Kikkoman oyster-flavored sauce is certainly from natural liquor extracted from fresh oysters. The sauce is ready to use straight from the bottle and is the pre-thickened kind.
The balance of the pungent essence manifests a tang of sweetness, and the sauce is thick, adding body and a nice-looking sheen. The thick sauce does not give a strong fishy flavor that you can find from some brands. Clearly, you do not need MSG to boost the taste of your recipes. All that is left is for you to keep your imagination working when using a product that boasts authenticity, versatility, and convenience.
Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kikkoman |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Item Weight | 12.64 Ounces |
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Specialty | Flavored |
- Savory and rich taste
- Versatile, can be used in many dishes
- Free from artificial flavors and colors
- Contains real oyster extract
- No MSG added
- Contains high amounts of sodium
- May contain preservatives
- The flavor may be too strong for some people
- The consistency is thinner compared to other oyster sauces
3. Lee Kum Kee Hoisin
Knowing the reputation that Lee Kum Kee holds in the world of culinary, this product is popular as every chef’s choice to enhance the food’s appearance and flavor. If you are curious, the ingredients include oyster extracts (water, oyster, salt), sugar, water, monosodium glutamate as a flavor enhancer, salt, modified cornstarch (for thickening), wheat flour, and caramel color.
This high-quality oyster sauce is best for an omelet, steamed bok choy, and many more. It is very rich in flavor, so a few drops of it go a very long way when cooking. If you have been trying to match the taste of the Chinese food you like in the restaurants, this sauce is the key to your success in every attempt. This sweet-tasting sauce is a great alternative to soy sauce.
Key Features
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lee Kum Kee |
| Flavor | Hoisin, spicy, sweet |
| Size | 36 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 4,452 ratings) |
- Rich and complex flavor
- Great for marinades and stir-fries
- No added preservatives
- Gluten-free
- Versatile, can be used as a dipping sauce or condiment
- Contains high sugar content
- Some find the taste too sweet
- Not suitable for those with nut allergies
4. Thai Maekrua Brand
Are you surprised when you notice an oyster sauce brand that is not from L.K.K? Yes, this Thai product, like all oyster sauce is ideal for all seasoning purposes and adds flavor to food. The 300 cc bottle of rich oyster sauce, obviously, comes from Thailand. The nice bottle offers enough amount for home use.
A generous amount of this oyster sauce will make all your stir-fry delicious in every spoonful. Although this brand is not easy to find in your local stores, if you get one, you will taste the real oyster sauce, and proves to be a true premium brand.
Maekrua products are at a gold standard level when it comes to taste and quality. Each bottle contains oyster extracts, soybeans, cornstarch, wheat flour, and sodium benzoate.
Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Maekrua |
| Flavor Name | Original |
| Size | 10.1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 3,078 ratings) |
- Rich umami flavor
- Authentic Thai taste
- No MSG or preservatives
- Thick consistency that clings well to food
- High in sodium
- Some find the flavor too intense
5.​ Megachef Premium
The Megachef Premium Oyster Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen. Its rich and authentic flavor enhances every dish I prepare, from simple stir-fries to more elaborate recipes. The consistency is just right, allowing it to blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
Additionally, the gluten-free aspect is a bonus for those with dietary restrictions. The bottle size is generous, ensuring that I have enough sauce for multiple meals. If you’re looking for a high-quality oyster sauce that delivers on taste and authenticity, this is the one to go for!
Key Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Megachef |
| Size | 21.2oz. (600ml) |
| Diet Type | Gluten-Free |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 7 ratings) |
- Authentic and rich flavor that enhances dishes.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Generous bottle size offers good value for money.
- Suitable for a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to marinades.
- Well-packed ensuring safe delivery.
6. Kikkoman Green Sauce
Who has not heard of the name Kikkoman? With its reputation for making the sauce, of course, it will excel in making one of the best oyster sauces there is. Their oyster sauce is from the usual juice of high-quality oysters. The taste is strong but not overdone.
Like every Kikkoman product, you do not need to add on any other seasoning like MSG to make it yummy. Know that this brand is already perfect regarding the ideal Asian taste.
Its ingredients contain water, sugar, salt, oyster juice concentrate, modified cornstarch, caramel color, yeast, and oyster extract. It is a good choice for vegetables and meat marinade.
Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kikkoman |
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Size | 12.6 Ounce |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1,358 ratings) |
- Milder flavor than traditional oyster sauce
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce
- Gluten-free option
- Not as rich as traditional oyster sauce
- May contain soy and wheat
- Some find the green color unappealing
- Relatively high in sodium
7. Shirakiku – Combination of Salt and Sweet
If you asked for the top three of the best oyster sauces in the market, surely, Shirakiku oyster sauce is one of them. It does not only offer a reasonable price but a perfect balance of savory taste as well. The taste is an excellent combination of salt and sweet which results in a mild fish flavor. As the consumers say, the oyster sauce is utterly phenomenal.
I personally use Shirakiku sauce with my favorite stir-fried cabbage and buttered jasmine rice to add an incredible taste to it. You can also try it with some of your stir-fry recipes. You can find Shirakiku oyster sauce in any local supermarket near you. It’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and no MSG.
Key Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | SHIRAKIKU BRAND |
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Size | 18 oz. (510g) |
| Package Information | Squeeze Bottle with twist cap |
| Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars (from 112 ratings) |
- Rich and savory flavor
- Can be used as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce
- Gluten-free option
- Contains no preservatives
- Affordable price point
- High in sodium
- Contains MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- May not be as widely available in some regions
8. Lee Kum Kee Panda
Among all on my list, this product is the only one that comes in a can. Some consumers have complained that getting the remaining sauce out from a bottle is difficult, so oyster sauce in a can is an idea to resolve the issue and offer more convenience to customers.
Besides, this product is cheaper than those that come with a glass bottle. Lee Kum Kee Panda oyster sauce is great for a dish like beef and broccoli stir-fry noodles.
Try storing it in the fridge; many attest that it would last for months without affecting the taste. The product also comes from the finest oyster extract and has a hearty flavor and a rich color. Aside from stir-fry, it is also great for marinade, dips, and sauce bases. The superior all-purpose seasoning sauce is a restaurant ingredient that enhances the appetite of every customer.
Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lee Kum Kee |
| Size | 5 Pound |
| Diet Type | Contains oyster extract |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 2,337 ratings) |
- Versatile sauce that can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces
- Authentic oyster flavor
- Widely available in supermarkets and Asian grocery stores
- Affordable price
- Contains MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- High in sodium content
- Some users may find the sauce too sweet for their taste
9. Dragonfly Premium
Is it usual for you to flavor meat and vegetables with oyster sauce? I bet, you use it for your black pepper beef, stir-fry noodles like chow mien and lo mien, or make it a topping for some of your favorite food. If so, then you are a part of the majority who have discovered the wonders that oyster sauce brings to any dish. Dragonfly Premium oyster sauce is ranking as one of the topmost brands in this field.
As customers testify, Dragonfly oyster sauce does not only have a reasonable price, but it does not also have a devastating fishy taste like some brands. In fact, it is not overwhelmed with vinegar and other fillers. As a chef’s number one choice, it does not contain MSG, and you can squeeze it out easily from its bottle.
Key Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dragonfly |
| Size | 19 oz. (Pack of 2) |
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Package Information | Plastic squeeze bottle |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 645 ratings) |
- Delicious and authentic oyster flavor
- No preservatives added
- Suitable for various dishes
- Thick consistency, perfect for marinating and stir-frying
- High in sodium
- Contains MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- May not be available in some regions
10. Panda Oyster Flavored Sauce Green Label
You may have wondered about the difference between the red label and the green label oyster sauce. Well, this Panda Oyster Sauce is labeled green because it does not contain MSG at all and is more gluten-free than the red-label product.
Hence, besides the truth that it is delicious as an alternative to your seasonings, it is super-healthy as well. Indeed, a delicious sauce and a healthy choice are a great combination.
This product is suitable for consumers who are suffering from Celiac disease and want to experience the authentic taste of Asian cuisine and not worry about being sick at all. I strongly suggest introducing this oyster sauce as another level of flavor when cooking. Some have reacted that it is a bit costly for an oyster sauce, but for what it offers, I think it is all worth it.
Ingredients for one bottle include water, sugar, salt, oyster extracts, modified cornstarch, and caramel color.
Features
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lee Kum Kee |
| Flavor | Oyster |
| Size | 18 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Diet Type | Gluten-Free |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1,294 ratings) |
- Rich and savory flavor
- Authentic taste of oysters
- Can be used in various recipes
- No preservatives added
- High in sodium
- Contains MSG (monosodium glutamate)
Factors to Consider When Making a Choice
Authenticity and Origin
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
- A high-quality oyster sauce will have oyster extracts or oyster essence as one of its primary ingredients. Avoid sauces that list ‘artificial flavors’ or ‘oyster-flavored’ as main ingredients.
- Check for unwanted additives or preservatives. The fewer the ingredients, the more natural the sauce is likely to be.
Dietary Restrictions
- For those with gluten intolerance, look for gluten-free variants.
- If you’re health-conscious, opt for sauces with no added MSG or artificial flavors.
Consistency
A good oyster sauce should have a thick consistency, similar to syrup. If it’s too watery, it might not provide the rich flavor you’re looking for.
Packaging
Squeeze bottles are more convenient and allow for better portion control. Glass bottles, on the other hand, are eco-friendly and can preserve the sauce’s flavor better.
Brand Reputation
Established brands like Lee Kum Kee, Dragonfly, and Maekrua have built a reputation for producing quality sauces. However, don’t shy away from trying newer brands that might offer unique flavors.
Price
While you shouldn’t compromise on quality, there are excellent oyster sauces available at various price points. Determine your budget and find the best sauce within that range.
Reviews and Ratings
Always check online reviews and ratings. They can provide insights into the taste, consistency, and overall quality of the sauce from people who have tried it.
Shelf Life
Oyster sauce has a long shelf life but always check the expiration date. Also, once opened, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Versatility
The best oyster sauces are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries and marinades to dips and dressings.
Tips for a Successful Recipe
I know you love the taste of the oyster sauce with your stir-fry and other meat dishes. However, there are some tips you need to consider to help you succeed in acquiring the perfect taste when cooking. Stick to it, and nothing will ever get wrong.
- Heating the oyster sauce for a long time will destroy its natural taste and, thus will lose its umami flavor. The trick here is adding the oyster sauce at the very last part of your cooking when all the meat and other ingredients are almost cooked. This way, the oyster sauce will not be overheated and just enough to give the food a yummy flavor.
- NEVER cook with the oyster sauce using intense heat. Do you know that when the oyster sauce is overheated, it also loses its umami flavor? Overheating has the same effect with a long cooking time. If you did, the oyster sauce would taste bitter.
- Oyster sauce works well with marinating. It actually eliminates the unpleasant smell of your meat and fish. Marinate them with your oyster sauce overnight for best results.
- Oyster sauce is a delicious technique to discourage you from using more salt in your dishes. With the flavor it gives to your food, there is no need for you to add salt anymore.
FAQs
Is oyster sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Traditional oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, there are vegetarian and vegan versions available in the market that use mushrooms or other plant-based ingredients to mimic the flavor of oysters.
Can I use oyster sauce as a substitute for soy sauce or vice versa?
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?
Yes, the taste can vary between brands based on the quality of oysters used, the preparation method, and additional ingredients. Some might be sweeter, saltier, or have a more pronounced oyster flavor. It’s always a good idea to taste the sauce before adding it to your dishes to ensure the desired flavor profile.
How is oyster sauce different from soy sauce or fish 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.
Fish sauce, on the other hand, is made from fermented fish and has a strong salty and fishy flavor.
How long can open oyster sauce last?
Its shelf life can vary depending on the brand and storage conditions. Generally, it can last for several months to a year if stored properly in the refrigerator.
However, it’s best to check the label for specific instructions on how to store it and how long it can be used after opening. It’s also important to use clean utensils when scooping out the sauce to prevent contamination.
Final Thoughts
While each brand has its unique characteristics, it’s the exploration and experimentation with these sauces that make cooking such a joy for me.
I remember the first time I used the Lee Kum Kee Hoisin in a stir-fry; the depth it added was unparalleled, making the dish reminiscent of the flavors I’d experienced in authentic Asian eateries.
If you haven’t dabbled with oyster sauce yet, I’d highly recommend diving in. It might just become your kitchen’s secret weapon, as it has become mine.
See Also: The Best Canned Chili That You Shouldn’t Miss
