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Oyster sauce is one of the easier Chinese ingredients to find, since most supermarkets now carry it as standard, not as a specialist item.
Which aisle is oyster sauce in?
Oyster sauce is in the world food aisle of UK supermarkets, in the Chinese section next to soy sauce and hoisin sauce. A number of ranges also stock a bottle among the regular cooking sauces.
Where to look, supermarket by supermarket
- World food aisle, Chinese section. Bottled next to soy and hoisin sauce. This is where most brands sit.
- Cooking sauces and marinades. Some ranges shelve it with the stir fry sauces instead.
Aisle numbers move between branches, so use the section as your guide.
Where oyster sauce is in Asda
Asda stocks Lee Kum Kee oyster sauce, the most common brand, in the world food aisle with the Chinese cooking sauces, alongside an own brand version.
How to find the exact aisle in your store
Check your supermarket app for the product’s aisle location at your chosen branch before travelling.
Oyster sauce vs vegetarian oyster sauce
| Type | Made from | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oyster sauce | Oyster extract | Everyday savoury seasoning |
| Vegetarian oyster sauce | Mushroom extract | Vegetarian and vegan cooking |
What to ask a member of staff
Say oyster sauce and specify Chinese if needed. If you want the vegetarian version, ask for it by name, since it is usually a separate product on a nearby shelf.
Asian supermarkets
A Chinese grocer carries a wider range of brands and bottle sizes, often cheaper per use than a supermarket own brand.
Buying oyster sauce online
It keeps well and posts easily, so a larger bottle online is a fine option if it is not stocked locally.
Storing it
Keep the bottle in the fridge once opened. Its salt content helps it keep well, but flavour is best within a few months.
Frequently asked questions
Is oyster sauce gluten free?
Most standard brands are not, since wheat is often used as a thickener. Check the label, since a few gluten free versions exist.
Does oyster sauce need refrigerating?
Once opened, yes. It is shelf stable unopened but should go in the fridge afterward.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar gets close for a quick swap, or a vegetarian oyster sauce if you need to avoid shellfish.
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- Oyster sauce. A store cupboard bottle for everyday stir fries.
