Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown condiment commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking. It has a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor that complements the many dishes that call for it. Oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts, specifically boiled oysters or oyster juices, sugar, salt, cornstarch as a thickener, and sometimes soy sauce to deepen the flavor. While it is excellent for enhancing dishes, not everyone can consume it. This could be due to dietary restrictions or allergies to shellfish. Luckily, you can replace this condiment with other great sauces and sauce mixtures. Here are some easy oyster sauce substitutes that can still provide excellent flavor to your meal.

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Hoisin and soy

sauce blend creates a

rich, umami flavor

Mushroom stir-fry sauce

offers a vegetarian alternative

with deep umami

Homemade vegan oyster

sauce uses mushrooms

for allergy-friendly flavor

Fish sauce with

sugar adds punch

to Southeast Asian recipes

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Hoisin Sauce and Soy Sauce Mixture

A popular and convenient oyster sauce substitute is a blend of hoisin sauce and soy sauce. Hoisin provides a thick, sweet, and slightly tangy base with hints of fermented soybeans. To complement that, soy sauce adds the salty, umami depth that oyster sauce is known for. The combination mimics the rich complexity of oyster sauce quite well, especially in stir-fries and marinades. This substitute is widely available, shelf-stable, and works great in most Asian recipes that call for oyster sauce.

To Make It:

Mix two parts hoisin with one part soy sauce to balance the sweetness and saltiness.

Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar

A quick pantry-friendly oyster sauce substitute is simply soy sauce combined with brown sugar. Soy sauce brings the salty, fermented umami character, while the brown sugar adds the mild sweetness that oyster sauce typically has. Though it lacks the thick texture and depth of flavor found in real oyster sauce, it works well in a pinch, especially in dishes where the sauce is cooked into a stir-fry or glaze.

To Make It:

The basic ratio is one tablespoon of soy sauce to about half a teaspoon of brown sugar, adjusted to taste.

Vegetarian Mushroom Stir-Fry Sauce

Mushroom stir-fry sauce is an excellent plant-based alternative that closely replicates the deep, savory umami of oyster sauce. Made from mushroom extract — often shiitake or oyster mushrooms — it’s thick, dark, and rich, with a slightly sweet undertone. It’s a direct 1:1 substitute for oyster sauce in any recipe and is ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or those with shellfish allergies.

Brands like Lee Kum Kee offer vegetarian versions that are nearly indistinguishable from the original in both taste and consistency.

Homemade Vegan Oyster Sauce

If you’re all about homemade sauces instead of store-bought ones, you can make your own vegan oyster sauce. Making it yourself gives you full control over the ingredients and flavor balance and ensures you have a clean, allergy-friendly option. It’s also ideal for those who want a healthier, preservative-free alternative without sacrificing flavor. The mushrooms provide the essential umami base, while soy sauce and sugar recreate the savory-sweet profile of oyster sauce.

To Make It:

Simmer mushrooms (like shiitake), soy sauce, and sugar, then add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The mixture is typically blended and strained for a smooth consistency.

Fish Sauce and Sugar

For those who aren’t vegetarians and don’t mind a stronger flavor, fish sauce with a bit of sugar can serve as a pungent oyster sauce substitute. While it’s not as thick or sweet as oyster sauce, it provides a strong umami flavor that works particularly well in Southeast Asian dishes.

To Make It: 

Fish sauce is saltier and more concentrated than oyster sauce, so it should be used sparingly. Add about half the amount of oyster sauce the recipe calls for, and add extra sugar to mellow the intensity.