Fish Sauce vs Oyster Sauce: Everything You Need to Know
Learn the differences between fish sauce and oyster sauce, and discover the best substitutes for each. Perfect for Asian cooking and understanding these essential condiments.
Quick Answer
Fish sauce and oyster sauce can substitute for each other in some dishes, but they have different flavor profiles. Fish sauce is salty and pungent, while oyster sauce is sweet and thick. Use 1 tablespoon oyster sauce for 1 tablespoon fish sauce, but reduce other sweet ingredients. For fish sauce, use soy sauce + lime juice instead of oyster sauce.
Best Substitutes
Oyster Sauce for Fish Sauce
1:1Thick, sweet sauce that can replace fish sauce in some Asian dishes
Best for:
Much sweeter than fish sauce, so reduce other sweet ingredients in your recipe
Fish Sauce for Oyster Sauce
1:1Salty, pungent sauce that can replace oyster sauce in some dishes
Best for:
Much saltier and thinner than oyster sauce, so adjust other seasonings
Soy Sauce + Sugar for Oyster Sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp oyster sauceSimple combination that mimics oyster sauce's salty-sweet profile
Best for:
Add cornstarch slurry if you need the thick consistency of oyster sauce
Soy Sauce + Lime Juice for Fish Sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp lime juice = 1 tbsp fish sauceClassic combination that mimics fish sauce's salty, tangy profile
Best for:
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity and mimic fish sauce's slight sweetness
Hoisin Sauce for Oyster Sauce
1:1Sweet, thick sauce that can replace oyster sauce in many dishes
Best for:
Similar sweetness and thickness to oyster sauce, but with different flavor profile
Worcestershire Sauce for Fish Sauce
1:1Fermented sauce with similar umami depth and savory notes
Best for:
Contains anchovies so not suitable for vegetarians, but has similar fermented umami
Cooking Tips
- 💡When using oyster sauce instead of fish sauce, reduce sugar and sweet ingredients in your recipe
- 💡Fish sauce is much saltier than oyster sauce, so use less salt when substituting
- 💡Oyster sauce is thicker than fish sauce, so you may need to add water or broth to thin it out
- 💡For stir-fries, oyster sauce works better as a fish sauce substitute than fish sauce works for oyster sauce
- 💡Fish sauce is better for soups and broths where you want salty, umami depth
- 💡Oyster sauce is better for glazes and thick sauces where you want sweetness and body
- 💡Always taste and adjust - these sauces have very different flavor profiles
- 💡Consider the dish's origin - use the sauce that's more traditional for that cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute oyster sauce for fish sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce for fish sauce in some dishes, but oyster sauce is much sweeter and thicker. Use 1:1 ratio but reduce other sweet ingredients in your recipe.
Can I substitute fish sauce for oyster sauce?
Fish sauce can substitute for oyster sauce in some dishes, but it's much saltier and thinner. Use 1:1 ratio but reduce other salty ingredients and consider adding sugar for sweetness.
What's the difference between fish sauce and oyster sauce?
Fish sauce is salty, pungent, and liquid, made from fermented fish. Oyster sauce is sweet, thick, and syrupy, made from oyster extract. They have very different flavor profiles and textures.
Which is better for stir-fries - fish sauce or oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce is generally better for stir-fries as it provides sweetness and thickness that helps create a glossy coating on the food. Fish sauce is better for adding salty, umami depth to broths and soups.
Can I use both fish sauce and oyster sauce together?
Yes, many Asian recipes use both fish sauce and oyster sauce together. Fish sauce provides salty umami depth while oyster sauce adds sweetness and thickness. They complement each other well.
What's a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Good substitutes for oyster sauce include soy sauce + sugar, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce + sugar. For thickness, add a cornstarch slurry to any of these combinations.
Summary
Learn the differences between fish sauce and oyster sauce, and discover the best substitutes for each. Perfect for Asian cooking and understanding these essential condiments.