Oyster sauce is one of the easier Chinese ingredients to find. Most large UK supermarkets sell a bottle in the world food section, and Chinese grocers usually stock more brands and bigger sizes.
Which shelf to check
Look in the world food aisle, in the Chinese section, near soy sauce, hoisin sauce and black bean sauce. Some stores also shelve it with the regular cooking sauces. If you cannot find it, ask a member of staff for Chinese cooking sauces, since shelf signs differ between stores.
Choosing a bottle
Lee Kum Kee is the best known brand and a sensible first buy. Check the ingredients list. Oyster extract should appear near the top, followed by sugar, salt and a thickener. If sugar or flavourings come first, the sauce will taste sweeter and less savoury.
Premium grades usually contain more oyster extract, so they taste richer. They cost more, so buy one if you cook Chinese food often. For everyday stir fries, a standard bottle is fine.
What to use it for
A spoonful of oyster sauce gives stir fried greens, such as pak choi or Chinese broccoli, a glossy, savoury finish. It also works in beef and broccoli, as a quick glaze for chicken wings, and stirred into fried rice. Start with one tablespoon for two portions and adjust from there, since it is salty.
Vegetarian options
Oyster sauce contains oyster extract, so it is not suitable for vegetarians. Mushroom based vegetarian versions are sold in some shops. Check the label, since they have a different flavour and texture.
Storage
Check the label for storage advice. Most bottles say to keep the sauce in the fridge once opened, and it keeps well this way for several months.
For more Chinese pantry staples, read our guide to Chinkiang black vinegar and our guide to Sichuan peppercorns. For a richer, spicier condiment, see our XO sauce guide.