What is oyster sauce? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of oyster sauce

oyster saucenoun

nước sốt hàu

/ˌɔɪstə ˈsɔːs//ˌɔɪstər ˈsɔːs/

Where does the word oyster sauce come from?

At that time, oyster cultivation in Hong Kong had become a significant industry, and oyster farming became a source of income for many coastal villages. The demand for oyster-based dishes grew, and a new sauce made from oyster extracts and soy sauce was invented as a way to preserve the oysters for longer periods. The sauce became popular in Cantonese restaurants and spread to other Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, where it was adopted and adapted to local tastes. The composition of the sauce evolved to include various seasonings, such as garlic, ginger, and sugar, and became a staple ingredient in the cuisine of countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and West Malaysia. In short, the word "oyster sauce" originated in Hong Kong in the late 19th century, as a result of the popularity of oyster-based dishes and the need to preserve oysters for longer periods by turning them into a flavorful sauce. The sauce then became a local delicacy and gained popularity in neighboring countries as a versatile ingredient in Asian cuisine.

Example of vocabulary oyster saucenamespace

  • The stir-fry vegetables were cooked in oyster sauce, giving them a savory and umami flavor.
  • I added a generous amount of oyster sauce to my beef and broccoli stir-fry for an extra rich and delicious taste.
  • The mushroom stir-fry was infused with the delicious aroma of oyster sauce, making every bite more satisfying.
  • The shrimp and snow peas dish was drenched in oyster sauce, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complemented the seafood.
  • The wok-fried rice dish was enhanced by the sweet and slightly thick oyster sauce that was mixed in with vegetables and meat.

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