This is a refined seasoning made from oysters combined with other concentrated flavors to create a rich, nutritious sauce. People often compare oyster sauce to “milk from the ocean” because it contains:
– A variety of vitamins that help scavenge free radicals in the body and act as antioxidants.
– A good amount of unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for brain health and memory enhancement.
– Abundant zinc content that supports improved immune function and hormone regulation.
Oyster sauce also boasts a strong umami flavor, with glutamic acid as the key enhancer. This acid alters the taste of dishes, intensifying the umami profile. Notably, oyster sauce is versatile and pairs well with numerous ingredients and cooking methods.
Despite its myriad benefits, improper use of oyster sauce can have significant health implications. The following are four critical don’ts when it comes to using oyster sauce, which many people still tend to overlook.
1. Avoid Using It in Spicy Dishes
The primary function of oyster sauce is to enhance the freshness of a dish, so combining it with spicy seasonings may diminish the characteristic spiciness of the food.
Additionally, oyster sauce is not meant for regular, frequent use. This is because it is made from seafood and has cooling properties. Overconsumption may negatively impact your health.
2. Don’t Cook It for Too Long
The correct way to use oyster sauce is to add it to a dish just before turning off the heat. Premature addition of oyster sauce may cause the glutamic acid to evaporate, resulting in the loss of the signature umami taste and aroma.
For meat dishes, early addition and prolonged cooking can lead to the generation of strange odors that can permeate the entire dish. Furthermore, extended cooking at high temperatures can cause the breakdown of beneficial compounds in the oyster sauce.
This is why experts recommend adding oyster sauce just before or when the dish is almost ready.
3. Avoid Using Excessive Amounts
Since oyster sauce enhances the flavor of dishes, many people assume that using a generous amount will make their meals taste better and richer. However, the reality is that overdoing it can ruin the dish’s flavor.
Moreover, oyster sauce contains a significant amount of sodium, and excessive consumption can pose health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise portion control when using oyster sauce.
4. Don’t Store It for Too Long
Once opened, oyster sauce has a short shelf life. Prolonged storage at room temperature can cause the oil to spoil. Therefore, it is advisable to store opened oyster sauce in the refrigerator to preserve its umami flavor.
Note: Keep oyster sauce away from the stove as high temperatures can also cause it to lose its aroma and spoil.
In conclusion, while oyster sauce is an excellent flavor enhancer, it should not be used indiscriminately. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid misuse, which can ruin your dish and potentially harm your health.
Check out this delicious chicken recipe that features oyster sauce.
CHICKEN IN OYSTER SAUCE
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 45 minutes
– Calories: 445 kcal
Ingredients
– Chicken thighs: 4 pieces
– Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
– Fresh ginger: 4 slices
– Garlic cloves: 3
– Shallots: 3 bulbs
– Cooking wine: ¼ cup
– Chicken stock: ½ cup
– Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
– Oyster sauce: 3 tablespoons
– Ground pepper: ¼ teaspoon
– Sesame oil: ½ teaspoon
Cooking Instructions
1. Rinse the chicken thighs and remove any excess fat.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a pan and fry the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
3. Add the crushed ginger, garlic, and shallots. Turn the chicken pieces frequently to prevent burning. Handle gently to avoid tearing the skin and breaking the meat.
4. Gradually add the cooking wine, chicken stock, soy sauce, ground pepper, and sesame oil to the pan. Stir well to dissolve the seasonings. Turn up the heat, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Turn the chicken pieces over with a pair of chopsticks and cook for another 15 minutes. Add the oyster sauce and turn the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. Check if the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced and thickened, coating the chicken.
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