The Important Ratio For Substituting Oyster Sauce With Soy Sauce

You're ready to whip up a mouthwatering stir-fry, only to discover there's no more oyster sauce at home. Luckily, in your pantry, is a trusty bottle of soy sauce, a versatile ingredient that can easily step in as a substitute. It's important, however, to note the correct ratio when replacing oyster sauce with soy sauce, especially since oyster sauce is thicker, less salty, and a little sweet in flavor.  

As a general guideline, to substitute soy sauce for oyster sauce, use less than a 1:1 ratio. (On the contrary, if you're substituting oyster sauce for soy sauce, use more than a 1:1 ratio.) This translates to using roughly ⅔ of the amount of soy sauce compared to the oyster sauce measurement called for in the recipe. This adjustment helps ensure your dish doesn't overpower with salinity; if, however, the results are still too salty, mix sugar into your soy sauce when substituting it for oyster sauce. 

If you aim to create a delicious dip or marinade with a thicker consistency resembling oyster sauce, try incorporating a small amount of cornstarch into soy sauce to achieve the desired thickness. Like oyster sauce, this blend will yield a more viscous and less runny sauce that can elevate your dishes.

One of the advantages of using soy sauce as a substitute is that it is typically vegan, making it a suitable option for those who can't eat the seafood found in oyster sauce. In addition, soy sauce, like oyster sauce, is full of umami, and plus their colors are similar. It's worth noting that vegan oyster sauces made with mushrooms are now available in many online and brick-and-mortar Asian supermarkets.

Whether it's a spaghetti-based dish, a classic pad see ew, or bok choy with garlic, soy sauce can act as a easy substitute for oyster sauce that will deliver just as delicious results.