Have you ever imagined making your own oyster sauce in the kitchen? According to Bavabi’s survey of 100 housewives, most of the answers were “never done, not done, don’t know how to do it.” And surprisingly, many people don’t know that oyster sauce is made from milk oyster extracts. Today, Bavabi will share with you the secret to making delicious, thick, and hygienic oyster sauce at home!
What is Oyster Sauce?
Oyster sauce is not exactly “oil” like fish oil, sunflower oil, or soybean oil. Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce, supplemented with oyster extract, used for stir-frying, seasoning, and marinating, or making other sauces. It has a natural brown color and a slightly distinct aroma.
This sauce originated from Guangdong (China), but it has spread quickly and has become a familiar condiment in Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino cuisine, as well as in many other countries around the world.
What is Oyster Sauce Made From?
Oyster sauce can also be made at home. You can make it once and store it in a clean glass or ceramic jar, and keep it in the refrigerator for about 10 – 12 days. However, you should pay attention to the selection of ingredients. December to April is the best season to make oyster sauce because oysters are abundant and the best quality during this time. If you buy pre-cleaned oyster meat, choose a reputable source to ensure cleanliness, and you can buy it year-round. The ingredients are as follows:
- Bavabi Milk Oysters (cleaned): 500g
- Garlic: 50g
- Onion: 150g
- Salt: 20g
- Soy sauce: 200ml
- White wine: 100ml
- Sugar: 100g
Simple Way to Make Oyster Sauce from Fresh Oysters
How to Make Oyster Sauce with Fresh Oysters, Onion, and Garlic
Chop the onion and garlic into slices about 2-3 mm wide. Bavabi milk oysters are pre-cleaned and ready to cook without washing. Put the oysters, onions, and garlic into a pot, keep it on low heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes without covering the pot.
After simmering for 15 minutes, the mixture will thicken and darken. At this point, turn off the heat and let the oyster mixture cool. Alternatively, you can place the hot oyster pot in an ice bath to cool it down faster.
Once the oyster mixture has cooled, you can use a hand blender or a regular blender to grind it into a thick mixture.
Since it is handmade oyster sauce without coloring, it will have a lighter color compared to commercially sold oyster sauces.
After grinding, pass the mixture through a sieve one last time. Pour the filtered product into a glass jar and store it.
Homemade oyster sauce has the unique flavor of fresh oysters, offering a distinct taste that you won’t find in store-bought products.
How to Make Oyster Sauce with Fresh Oysters
Making oyster sauce with fresh oysters is relatively simple. The main ingredient is about 1kg of Pacific oysters. Separate the oyster water from the bag, and chop or blend the meat.
Next, put the oysters and their water into a pot, add about 250ml of water. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the oysters release their sweetness and aroma. After that, filter out the oyster residue, leaving about 100-120ml of liquid. To this liquid, add the following seasonings:
- 15ml thick soy sauce
- 70g brown sugar
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Cook the mixture over low heat until the seasonings are completely dissolved. Continue simmering to reduce the mixture to the desired consistency. You can either reduce it slowly over low heat or add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Finally, pour the homemade oyster sauce into a jar for storage.
How to Store and Use Homemade Oyster Sauce from Fresh Oysters
Store the oyster sauce in the refrigerator. The best time to use it is within one week. This versatile “seasoning” can be used for cooking a variety of dishes, especially stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, dipping sauces, and noodle stir-fries.
Delicious Dishes with Oyster Sauce
Today, oyster sauce is used as a flavor enhancer in various dishes. It is used in stir-fries, braises, marinades, and can even be used as a dipping sauce for boiled or grilled foods.
For vegetables, fruits, or meats, when they are nearly cooked, season to taste and remember to add a spoonful of oyster sauce, stir well for a few minutes, then turn off the heat and serve hot. Oyster sauce will enhance the flavor, making the dish much more appealing. Some common dishes that frequently use oyster sauce include bok choy (choy sum), stir-fried morning glory, braised mushrooms, pork belly in sauce, and egg fried rice.
