Everything You Need to Know About Oyster Sauce
Since oysters don’t have a central nervous system, does that mean that oyster sauce can be considered vegan? PETA dives into the oyster debate and breaks down why eating oysters isn’t vegan.
Are Oysters Vegan?
Every animal is someone. Oysters may look different from mammals or birds, but they’re still living beings. Oysters protect their soft bodies by snapping their shells tightly closed at the first hint of danger. They have a nervous system, respond to their environments, and play a vital role in ocean ecosystems by filtering water and creating habitats for other sea life.
Although we don’t know for sure whether or not oysters can feel pain, there’s no reason to potentially cause them harm. It’s selfish to eat shellfish and any other animal exploited for food.
What Is Vegan Oyster Sauce Made Of?
Instead of using once-living oyster bodies to make sauce, vegan oyster sauce is often made from oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Mushrooms have a delicious umami flavor, which makes them the perfect base for a vegan oyster sauce.
Vegan oyster sauce is perfect for stir-fries, curries, and can add depth to soups and sauces. Try it in a vegan “beef” and broccoli stir-fry, udon noodle soup, or add it to anything that could use some salty tang.
Five Vegan Oyster Sauce Options to Try
- Wan Ja Shan Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce is rich, savory, and made with fermented soy and mushroom extract.
- Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir-Fry Sauce is made with shiitake mushroom extract.
- Roland’s Vegan Oyster Sauce’s deep, earthy flavor is powered by shiitake powder.
- Healthy Boy Vegetarian Mushroom Sauce is a Thai-style sauce made with soy sauce and mushroom extract, which gives it a strong umami flavor.
- Ocean’s Halo No Fish Sauce is soy-free and kelp-based. Its briny, ocean-forward flavor adds depth to any dish.
Dive Into Being Vegan
You’re taking a powerful step towards a healthier, more compassionate life by using oyster-free sauce and other vegan ingredients in your meals. Every time we choose vegan foods and encourage those around us to do the same, we’re saying “No” to industries that treat animals like things instead of individuals who want to live. Please join the 3-week Vegan Challenge and kickstart your vegan journey.
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