Asian ingredient substitutes
Oyster Sauce Substitute
For each 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, use 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce. Mushroom-based. The Woks of Life uses it interchangeably with oyster sauce. Some brands contain wheat. Other options: 2 teaspoons soy sauce.
Use instead
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Oyster Sauce substitutes at a glance
| Use instead | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce | Mushroom-based. The Woks of Life uses it interchangeably with oyster sauce. Some brands contain wheat. |
| 2 teaspoons soy sauce | About two thirds as much, because soy sauce is saltier and thinner. A little cornstarch slurry brings back some of the body. |
Where these swaps come from
The swaps and amounts on this page are from The Woks of Life, Oyster Sauce; The Woks of Life, Vegetarian Oyster Sauce; Tasting Table, The Important Ratio For Substituting Oyster Sauce With Soy Sauce, Kat Lieu. Each option's note keeps the source's own advice on when it works. The calculator scales the published amount: substitute = published amount x (your amount / 1 tablespoon).
Other Asian pantry substitutes
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Per 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce; or 2 teaspoons soy sauce.
What do I use for 1/4 cup of oyster sauce?
1/4 cup vegetarian oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce; or 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce. The calculator above scales any other amount.