Oyster sauce, a salty sauce made from oysters and commonly used in Asian cuisine, has few calories, no fat, and a healthy amount of calcium for bone strength. The salt concentration is due to the soy sauce component, which people on a low-sodium diet should be aware of.

To make an oyster sauce, first cook oysters in water before adding caramel for colouring and flavour and cornflour to thicken.

When the shells open, the oysters are done; any oysters that do not open should be removed. Non-cooks may buy oyster sauce in bottles at grocery stores all around the world.

Oyster sauce is used in a variety of meat and vegetable dishes, including stir-fries, Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan Noodles, and lo mein.

Nutritional Information for Oyster Sauce

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FoodData Central website provides nutrition information for one serving of oyster sauce (15 grammes).

Carbohydrates 

Carbohydrates are derived from thickening agents, soy sauce, and taste enhancers in oyster sauce. A serving comprises 1% of the daily carbohydrate allowance.

Fats 

Oyster sauce has no lipid fats, as well as no trans or saturated fats.

Protein

One gramme of protein is included in oyster sauce, which originates from the oysters. Certain brands utilise additional shellfish, which increases the protein content. If you desire a strong oyster flavour, check the ingredient list to see where oysters are listed—if oysters are towards the top, the seafood flavour will be stronger.

Minerals and vitamins

Iron is the most abundant mineral in oyster sauce, accounting for 0.36 milligrammes per serving, or 2% of your RDA. Calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12 are among the other vitamins and minerals.

Calories

Many people do not consume an entire amount of oyster sauce; nevertheless, some consume numerous portions in one sitting. Each serving has 15 calories.

Health Advantages

The nutrients in oyster sauce give a number of health advantages, but it’s crucial to remember that due to the ingredient’s modest portion size, most individuals won’t consume enough of it to gain significant health benefits. Eating whole oysters would be a more reliable method to reap those advantages.

Nonetheless, the minerals included in oyster sauce provide significant health advantages, including-

Immune System Booster

Because of their zinc concentration, eating oysters may lower the intensity and duration of cold symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health, oysters contain more zinc than any other food on the globe. 4 Zinc is so effective at boosting your immune system that it is included to lozenges and major cold treatments all over the world.

Brain Function that is Healthy

According to Harvard Health, oyster sauce provides vitamin B12, which is important for the function and growth of brain cells.

People who forgo animal products risk being deficient in vitamin B12, which is exclusively found in animal products. Memory loss, disorientation, and dementia can all result from a vitamin B12 shortage.

Enhances Energy

Because iron participates in oxygen transport, it can assist enhance energy levels in oyster sauce. According to a study on iron and its usefulness for human health published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, over two-thirds of the body’s iron is present in haemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The omega-3 fatty acids present in seafood can help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers discovered that eating fish oil reduced morning stiffness, stiff joints, joint discomfort, and the need to use anti-inflammatory drugs in a scientific literature review published in The British Journal of Nutrition. According to the researchers, this provides proof that eating seafood and fish oil is relatively effective in relieving symptoms of this health concern.

Controls blood sugar levels

Manganese in oyster sauce may have a function in glucose balance. Researchers discovered that manganese levels were considerably lower in the diabetes group compared to the non-diabetic group in a study including nearly 4,000 individuals.

Manganese consumption should be between 1.8 and 2.3 milligrammes per day, and the mineral may be found in oysters, mussels, whole grains, and nuts.

Allergies

Oyster sauce should be avoided by anyone who is allergic to shellfish. Shellfish allergies are the most prevalent in adults and one of the most common in children, and they generally last a lifetime. Shellfish allergies affect around 2% of the population.

Itching, hives, pale or blue skin, swelling of the cheeks and lips, difficulty breathing (wheezing), dizziness, nausea, and stomach discomfort are all symptoms of a shellfish allergy. Anaphylaxis might result from a strong response.

If you suspect you have a shellfish allergy, you should consult a doctor right once.

When It’s the Best

Oyster sauce has a decent shelf life, making it a good addition to your kitchen’s condiment collection. Unopened jars of oyster sauce can be stored on a kitchen shelf or in the pantry for 18 to 24 months. After opening, the goods will keep in the refrigerator for three to six months.

According to foodsafety.gov, an official website of the United States government, if oyster sauce is left out for more than eight hours at a temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it will spoil.

How to prepare?

You may create the sauce yourself by combining oysters, water, caramel flavouring, cornflour, and soy sauce, or you can buy it ready-made from a grocery shop or restaurant. When utilising the sauce, no special cooking procedures are required. Pour it immediately on top of the items and mix it around, or drizzle it over steaming veggies to enhance flavour.

The most common application for oyster sauce is in stir-fries. The soy sauce will provide an Asian flavour to your food.