Ever found yourself savouring a dish with that irresistible taste, wondering, “What’s in this?” Chances are, the oyster sauce had a hand in creating that flavour. Many sauces that are created by cooking oysters are referred to as oyster sauces. So, what is oyster sauce made of?
What is Oyster Sauce Made Of?
Oyster sauce comes from the liquid of cooked oysters, also called oyster extracts. It is a sweet and salty mix that is made from salt, sugar, and oyster juices.
For those curious ones, oyster sauce has that umami taste, which is a savoury, tangy flavour. It is often used in Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Thai dishes, such as dripping sauces, stir-fries, and meat marinades. Sounds yummy.
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What Does Oyster Sauce Taste Like?
Most people are actually curious about this, especially those who haven’t ever tried using oyster sauce and want to but are sceptical of doing so because they wonder what it tastes like. If you are in that category of people, this is for you!
Oyster sauce has a flavour or taste that hangs somewhere between fish and soy sauce. Its taste is like that of the ocean—meaty, sweet, and rich. With a thick and syrupy quality, it is dark brown and adds a distinct taste to meals.
However, if, for some reason, you have to substitute it with something else in your meals, then at least it should capture the flavours and textures of the sauce as much as possible. In plain words, it smells rich and fragrant and tastes just as rich too!
When is Oyster Season?
Typically, the oyster season runs from late September to April each year. During this period, oysters reach their peak of freshness and flavour, making them a delectable and nutritious meal, especially when transformed into an oyster sauce.
Abundant in both freshwater and saltwater, humans primarily harvest oysters from saltwater sources for consumption. Thriving in clean, fast-moving water, oysters are predominantly found in estuaries and bays, ensuring easy accessibility for harvesting.
Two common methods for harvesting oysters are raking and dredging. Using a dredge involves dragging a weighted metal frame along the bottom of the water until oysters snag on it. Raking follows a similar process, where oysters are scooped up with a net after getting snagged.
Avoid oyster harvesting during recent red tide events caused by algae blooms producing toxins that can make humans sick. It’s also crucial to steer clear of harvesting when the water is polluted.
Again, oyster harvesting does not sit well with high winds or storms.
There are a few other safety precautions to take when harvesting oysters: always wear a life jacket and appropriate footwear, like water shoes or boots. Again, wash both hands thoroughly after handling oysters, as they may contain harmful bacteria. Despite all this, oyster harvesting is a fun and unique experience.
How Do You Use the Sauce in Food?
This sauce proves highly nutritious and versatile, enhancing a multitude of recipes to create delightful meals. While it can stand alone as a delectable condiment, some individuals opt to blend it with other ingredients to elevate flavours.
Oyster sauce is known for its ability to bring out the rich taste of various dishes when incorporated with other elements. So far, the most typical uses for oyster sauce are noodles, marinades, and stir-fries.
Below are some recipes you can use to make the most of oyster sauce:
First of all, you can use your oyster sauce to flavour mushrooms! Simply sauté white mushrooms in a skillet with butter till they turn brown, then stir in garlic and oyster sauce, and serve with cracked black pepper.
You can also create a delicious marinade by mixing it with soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and red pepper flakes and flavouring your beef or chicken.
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Do you Put Oyster Sauce In Fried Rice?
When cooking fried rice with oyster sauce, the ingredients remain the same; the only addition is the oyster sauce.
Heat oil with garlic and spring onions; sauté until fragrant, then fry chopped onions. Next, sauté carrot oil and bell peppers till they are vibrantly coloured. Then add your rice, chilli, soy, and oyster sauces, mix properly, leave to cook for a few minutes, and then serve.
Why Do People Use Oyster Sauce?
They do because it adds flavour to many meat and vegetable dishes. Its sauce not only boasts high nutritional value but also stands as a versatile ingredient, promoting a myriad of recipes to create truly delightful meals.
While it excels as a standalone, delicious condiment, many lovers actively choose to combine it with other ingredients, harnessing its power to enhance and elevate flavours.
The widespread renown of oyster sauce lies in its exceptional ability to enrich the taste profile of diverse dishes. This happens when it is skillfully incorporated with complementary elements.
In addition to the flavour and appearance benefits to users, studies have shown that oysters are a great source of protein, zinc, and other nutrients. The sauce contains health benefits such as boosting immunity and aiding digestion. It also helps prevent cancer and heart disease. The sauce is so much more than just a tasty addition to a dish!