Oyster Sauce: A Delicious Success Story

You may not know the story of how oyster sauce was invented but over 100 years later, millions of people worldwide are still enjoying the result of this happy accident. 

Stop me if this sounds familiar to you; you’re busy at home cooking after a long day at work, you’re tired and slightly irritable, when you suddenly get a phone call or hear a knock at the door. After tending to these domestic distractions, you notice a burning smell in the air followed by an immediate sense of panic as you realise that you’ve left the stove on! You run as quickly as you can to find that the rice you were cooking has been burnt to a crisp.  

If this happens to you on a regular basis, you’re probably on the verge of burning your house down, but if you’re fortunate enough, you might also be on the verge of a new culinary breakthrough. At least that was the case for Lee Kum Sheung when he invented oyster sauce in 1888.  

As the story goes, Mr Lee made his living running a small eatery that sold cooked oysters. One day, he was cooking oysters as usual, but lost track of time until he smelt a strong aroma. Lifting the lid off the pot, he noticed that the normally clear oyster soup had turned into a thick, brownish sauce. Et voilà, oyster sauce was born. 

From this deliciously happy discovery, Lee soon set about selling his newly invented condiment and went on to form Lee Kum Kee in 1888.  Over the past 133 years, the company has since grown into a thriving brand, with over 200 sauces and condiments enhancing the taste and aroma of authentic Asian cuisine in over 100 countries around the world, including New Zealand, which has been enjoying the authentic flavours of Lee Kum Kee since 1979. 

Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce has a decadent rich colour and savoury flavour that adds depth and deliciousness to a huge variety of Asian dishes. Perfect for marinating, stir fries, gravy making and casseroles, it’s a popular condiment around the world and a pantry staple for anyone wanting to add authenticity and flavour to their meals.  

dish has loads of recipes that bring out the deep flavours of Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauces like our Pork Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce, Tomatoes and Cashew Nuts; perhaps you’ll love the flavours of our Spice-Roasted Duck or the delicious stickiness of our Sticky Tamarind and Maple Syrup Glazed Pork Ribs. Whatever you add it to, Lee Kum Kee’s Oyster Sauces bring a deliciously satisfying flavour to every mealtime.  

Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauces can be found in the mainstream or international sections of New World, Pak’n’Save and Countdown supermarkets. Panda Brand Gluten Free Oyster Sauce is also available – all the delicious flavour, but without the gluten! 

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