Does Trader Joe’s Have Oyster Sauce? Here’s What You Need To Know

Oyster sauce is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. With its rich, savory umami flavor, it can enhance everything from stir-fries to noodle dishes. So it’s no surprise that many shoppers wonder – does Trader Joe’s have oyster sauce?

Trader Joe’s is known for its diverse array ofunique and exciting products. However, oyster sauce has never actually been a regular item on their shelves. Trader Joe’s has a lot of different kinds of oyster sauce and alternatives. Here’s a list of what they do and don’t have.

An Overview of Oyster Sauce

First, let’s start with what exactly oyster sauce is. This thick, brown sauce is made from oysters and their liquid that are boiled down until caramelized. The oyster extract gives the sauce its signature rich, briny flavor.

Oyster sauce also usually contains soy sauce, salt, sugar cornstarch and MSG. It provides a sweet yet savory taste and umami boost to dishes.

In Chinese cooking, oyster sauce is a ubiquitous ingredient. It’s commonly added to meat and veggie stir-fries, used as a marinade or glaze, and mixed into noodle dishes. A little bit goes a long way in providing a hit of salty flavor.

Oyster sauce is also often included as an ingredient in ready-made stir-fry sauces. So even if a sauce doesn’t specifically say “oyster” in the name, it can still contain oyster extract This is important to note for those with shellfish allergies.

The Trader Joe’s Condiment Selection

That brings us to the main question: Is oyster sauce sold at Trader Joe’s? The short answer is no.

Trader Joe’s has a lot of different sauces and condiments with flavors from all over the world. They do, however, tend to sell more niche and one-of-a-kind items than everyday essentials like oyster sauce.

In the Asian food aisle, you’ll find items like:

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Sriracha
• Gochujang
• Stir fry sauces

However, standard oyster sauce itself has never been regularly stocked at Trader Joe’s locations. Their strategy focuses more on gourmet, specialty foods rather than staple pantry items.

Trader Joe’s Stir Fry Sauces

While they don’t directly sell oyster sauce on its own, Trader Joe’s does offer some pre-made stir fry sauces that contain oyster extract.

Some examples include:

• General Tso’s Stir Fry Sauce – likely contains oyster sauce as an ingredient based on the flavor profile. Great for chicken or tofu.

• Island Soyaki Sauce – a Hawaiian-inspired stir fry sauce with a tangy, salty taste. The soyaki sauce base commonly contains oyster extract.

• Thai Red Curry Simmer Sauce – often includes oyster sauce to balance out the spice and coconut milk flavors.

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy sauce that will provide the taste of oyster sauce, grabbing one of these bottled stir fry sauces can do the trick. Just be mindful of potential shellfish allergies.

Finding Alternatives to Oyster Sauce

Since authentic oyster sauce isn’t an option at Trader Joe’s currently, what are some good substitutes to use in recipes? Here are a few ideas:

• Soy Sauce – Provides salty umami flavor, though not the sweet brininess of oyster sauce. Reduce amount used.

• Hoisin Sauce – Contains soy sauce and similar consistency to oyster sauce. Sweeter flavor.

• Mushroom Sauce – Vegans use mushroom sauce to mimic oyster sauce’s rich taste.

• Fish Sauce – Adds a savory kick, though quite pungent. Use sparingly.

• White Miso Paste – Saltier than oyster sauce but can provide a savory boost in small amounts.

• Oyster Sauce Alternatives – Check the Asian food aisle for vegan oyster alternatives.

Experiment with proportions when substituting to get the right balance of flavors. And consider adding a touch of sugar to mimic oyster sauce’s molasses-like sweetness if needed.

How to Find Out if Trader Joe’s Carries Oyster Sauce

Trader Joe’s selection fluctuates over time. So while oyster sauce isn’t currently stocked, there’s still a chance it could appear in stores eventually. Here are some tips for staying up-to-date:

• Browse Their Website – TraderJoes.com features a full product list that’s updated regularly. Search for “oyster sauce” to instantly see if it’s available.

• Call Customer Service – Their helpful reps can let you know if a product like oyster sauce is planned to be stocked in the future.

• Check Their Reddit – The Trader Joe’s subreddit often features insider info on new product arrivals not yet listed online.

• Ask In-Store – Employees should be able to tell you if their location carries oyster sauce or when it may be back in stock.

• Sign Up for Emails – Trader Joe’s sends out emails with the newest products. A great way to stay in the know!

Creative Oyster Sauce Substitutes to Try

Rather than typical pantry swaps, culinary experts have come up with unique ingredient combinations to mimic oyster sauce’s flavor at home:

• Caramelized Onions – Cook down sliced onions until rich and jammy. Adds sweetness and umami.

• Sautéed Mushrooms + Soy Sauce – Mushrooms contain natural umami compounds similar to oysters.

• Worcestershire Sauce + Brown Sugar – Recreates the briny sweetness but not the thickness.

• Anchovy Paste + Molasses – Provides intense umami and caramel-like flavor.

• Tomato Paste + Fish Sauce – Mix together for savory saltiness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients you have on hand to reproduce that oyster essence. A touch of sweetness paired with umami tends to work best.

Oyster Sauce Alternatives at Other Grocery Stores

If you still hope to find oyster sauce, check your local Asian supermarket or these grocery chains:

• Whole Foods – Carries sauce from brands like Wan Ja Shan and Lee Kum Kee.

• Sprouts – Stocks Megachef oyster flavored sauce.

• Publix – Sells Ka-Me brand oyster flavored sauce.

• Kroger – Carries Chiu Chow oyster sauce in the Asian food aisle.

Don’t forget to browse the international section of your regular supermarket too. Large chains often have oyster sauce options from major brands.

The Bottom Line

So does Trader Joe’s sell real oyster sauce? The answer is currently no. However, with its selection of specialty stir-fry sauces and other umami-rich ingredients, you can still recreate the flavor of oyster sauce in your cooking.

Check their website or ask in-store periodically to see if oyster sauce arrives on shelves in the future. And in the meantime, get creative with substitutions using items you likely already have in your pantry and fridge!