hou4 jau4蠔油蚝油
Jyutpinghou4 jau4
Yalehòuh yàuh
Definition
Oyster sauce; a thick, brown Chinese condiment made from oysters and brine.
colloquialfood
How it's used
This is a staple condiment in Cantonese kitchens, essential for creating the signature savory depth in stir-fries and steamed vegetables. Unlike soy sauce, it has a thick, viscous consistency and a subtle sweetness that balances saltiness. It is rarely used as a standalone dipping sauce, but rather as a seasoning base during the cooking process.
Measure word
zeon1樽jēunExamples
This dish has a little oyster sauce added, it's very tasty.
Do you use oyster sauce when you cook?
Related words
Common phrases
Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce
beef with oyster sauce
Common mistake
Beginners often mistake it for a type of soy sauce, but it is much thicker and richer. Do not use it as a direct substitute for soy sauce in recipes, as the flavor profile and texture are significantly different.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
