What Is Oyster Sauce?

Get ready for a new taste sensation if you are a person who would ask, “What is oyster sauce?” It is unlikely that any other condiment is as intriguing or has more of an umami flavor than oyster sauce. At City Fish Market, where fresh oysters are available year-round, we love introducing seafood temptations. However, to be fair, oyster sauce is typically associated with Asian-inspired recipes that may or may not include fish or shellfish.

Here, however, we provide tempting seafood recipes with oyster sauce. Reading on, you will also find its surprising origin and everything you need to know about this flavorful ingredient and its uses.

Born of an Accidental Simmer

In 1888, oyster sauce was accidentally invented by Lee Kum Sheung, a Chinese cook who operated a food stall aka a kiosk. He left a pot of oyster soup on the stove to simmer and then forgot all about it. The oyster soup cooked down into a thick, caramelized brown paste. Hoping to redeem the pot of food, Sheung gave it a taste. The super savory flavor of the rich concoction was utterly delicious!

The chef magnate named it “oyster sauce” and began serving it as a seasoning to his guests. Later, he packaged and sold it. The Lee Kum Kee Asian sauce empire was born, and today it is iconic. Many still consider the original oyster sauce to be the tastiest.

How is Oyster Sauce Made?

At its best, oyster sauce is still made from slowly simmered oysters. But beware: Plenty of commercialized knockoffs line grocery shelves. Check the label to be sure you aren’t getting “oyster-flavored” sauce. Only those with extracts from real oysters are the sauces worth their brine.

What Does Oyster Sauce Taste Like?

Oyster sauce truly stands out as an exemplary condiment because of its complex salty-sweet taste, also known as an umami flavor. Shake the bottle and pour it on any plate of meat or fish and vegetables to satisfy your taste buds. The flavor is nothing like oysters at all! Some would exclaim, “What is oyster sauce? It’s a magical brown sauce somewhat comparable to soy sauce!”

How to Cook with Oyster Sauce

You can find an array of oyster sauce recipes online. There is even an article explaining How to Cook with Oyster Sauce. Our favorite recipes all contain seafood, of course! Give any or all of the following recipes with oyster sauce a try:

Get Fresh Seafood for Oyster Sauce Recipes at City Fish Market

City Fish Market is a great place to find answers to questions like, “What fresh fish should I serve for dinner?” and “What is oyster sauce?” The experts behind our retail counters are very helpful, much like our online recipes. Making it easy to enjoy fresh seafood at home is what we do! Our many options include fresh oysters, live Maine lobsters, flounder, halibut, tuna, swordfish, cockles, clams, salmon, tilapia, trout, and catfish.

Don’t let anything hinder you from cooking with the freshest seafood! Visit us at City Fish Market today. Our address is 884 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield, CT. For delivery, call us or fill out our online form.