Oyster Sauce vs. Fish Sauce

[crn]

What's the difference? I always thought they were the same? No? Yes?

[S U]

A long time ago, a Filipino friend introduced me to fish sauce... there are many types. Here's a link to the wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_sauce

When I tried the sauce for the first time, my good friend began telling me about history of its production. I'm so glad that didn't scare me away; she painted a vivid picture of its production before machine presses were invented -- the old fashioned human stomping with bare feet.

[yumbofoodie]

My understanding is that Fish Sauce is more of a flavor enhancer - something that adds depth to a dish - rather than something to be had alone. I suspect that Worcestershire Sauce (and the fermented anchovies that go into it) works in the same way.

[amyvc]

I agree. It's that secret ingredient that makes the dish "wow"

[amyvc]

My close friend is Vietnamese. I thought fish sauce was made by boiling the leftover fish parts and reducing it. I'll ask her. Either way, it smells SOOOO gross but gives the food that little "extra."

[uptown jimmy]

Roughly, they ferment the fish and then squeeze the liquids out of it in some sort of press.

[FlavoursGal]

Oyster sauce is a thick, viscous sauce made from oysters. Fish sauce is a watery sauce made from anchovies.

Oyster sauce is a staple in the Chinese kitchen, while fish sauce is a staple in Thai and Vietnamese cooking.

[Pei]

Ditto. Oyster sauce is the color of soy sauce, but thick like ketchup.

Fish sauce is clear and amber, kind of like apple cider vinegar.

[crn]

Thanx for clearing that up for me everybody!!

[Cereal Killer]

In case you really wanted to know: http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/feat...

If you've even been traveling in southeast asia, you'll never forget the smell of fish sauce factories...

CK

[Chocolatechipkt]

Or if the bottle you open happens to leak and gets all over everything (as it did last night).

[Cereal Killer]

I can only hope you were in a kitchen and not an airport / train station / bus station!

CK

[Chocolatechipkt]

Just my kitchen, but that was bad enough! :b

At least the resulting dish (pad si yew) was tasty!

[Sam Fujisaka]

Other than some Vietnamese fish sauces that are cloudy, thicker, smellier.

[nyctravelguide]

No. not the same. Oyster sauce is much sweeter. Fish sauce isn't sweet, just salty. Both high sodium, I prefer the flavor of Oyster Sauce.

http://nycpocket.com