Is oyster sauce vegan? Is it a must to avoid it if I follow a plant-based diet?
As oyster sauce becomes more popular, more people ask this question. After all, everyone enjoys the distinct flavor that this sauce provides. Oyster sauce is a popular Asian condiment, particularly in Chinese, Malay, Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese signature dishes. It’s a dark brown color with a thick, syrupy consistency, used to enhance the flavor of dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and vegetables. To figure out the mystery of whether the oyster sauce is vegan, here we will dive deeper and have a discussion.
Is Oyster Sauce Vegan?
To determine whether the oyster sauce is vegan or not, first, consider the definition of oyster sauce. The term “oyster sauce” shows it contains oysters, a type of seafood, so the oyster sauce is not vegan. Is this to say that if you’re vegan or allergic to shellfish, you’ll have to forego this delectable sauce? Can you get oyster sauce vegan naturally?
The good news is that some oyster sauce brands don’t include oyster extract but use ingredients, such as mushrooms or other vegetables, to prepare oyster sauce vegan. Additionally, their vegan oyster sauce includes other ingredients not found in traditional oyster sauce, such as miso paste and vegetable broth. These ingredients create a distinct flavor profile in vegan oyster sauce, which is not found in traditional oyster sauce. Also, many substitutes for vegan oyster sauce are available in the markets.
Vegan Oyster Sauce Alternatives
If you’re looking for oyster sauce substitutes, there are many options available.
1. Soy Sauce
It is commonly used in Chinese and various Asian cuisines and can be used as an oyster-free alternative to oyster sauce. Soy sauce is made of fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt. It can be seen in most grocery stores. It has a salty flavor and dark color, which makes it a great option for vegan oyster sauce recipes. It can also be a dipping sauce or used to season stir-fry dishes, soups, and marinades.
2. Seafood Butter Sauce
Seafood butter sauces are an oyster sauce vegan alternative and can be used in oyster-free dishes, including Prawns in Butter Sauce, Warm Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Sauce, and Fish Filets with Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce. It is made with vegetable butter and other seasonings, and this sauce is creamy and savory.
3. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is an alternative to oyster sauce vegan with a sweet and tangy taste. It’s made with malt vinegar, molasses, tamarind, anchovies, onion, garlic, and spices. It is used in dishes like steak, hamburgers, and Caesar salad.
4. Homemade Vegan Oyster Sauce
You can make oyster sauce vegan at home. Vegetarian oyster sauce ingredients include soy sauce, sugar, salt, sesame oil, mushroom powder, and other flavorings. Making the vegan oyster sauce on your own allows you to decide how much salt and sugar to add to the recipe, as well as adjust the flavor to your liking.
Read also: Oyster Sauce VS Hoisin Sauce
Conclusion
Oysters are a type of animal product, so the oyster sauce is not vegetarian. However, oyster sauce vegans are available that use plant-based ingredients and seasonings instead of oysters. Read the label carefully before buying vegan oyster sauce or other vegan substitutes. If you’re looking for a vegan oyster sauce and its alternatives, Jolion Foods is a great option. Their vegetarian oyster sauce is made with mushrooms and other plant-based ingredients and has a delicious savory flavor. Besides, Jolion Foods offers a variety of vegan sauces, including oyster sauce vegan, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, and more, at reasonable prices. You can order their products online. Contact us today!