What is the difference between oyster sauce and flavoured sauce?

You're asking about the difference between oyster sauce and a broader category of flavored sauces. Let's break it down:

Oyster Sauce:

* Ingredients: Made primarily from oyster extract, salt, sugar, and sometimes other seasonings like soy sauce, cornstarch, and spices.

* Flavor: Unique savory and salty flavor with a hint of sweetness. It has a complex umami character that comes from the oyster extract.

* Origin: Originated in China and is commonly used in Chinese, Southeast Asian, and some other Asian cuisines.

* Uses: Often used as a glaze for meats and vegetables, added to stir-fries, noodles, and soups to enhance their flavor.

Flavored Sauces:

* Ingredients: This is a very broad category. It includes sauces flavored with a wide variety of ingredients, including:

* Soy sauce: A common base for many flavored sauces, often used with other seasonings like garlic, ginger, or chili.

* Chili: Hot chili peppers are used to create sauces with varying levels of heat.

* Sweet and sour: A combination of sweet and tangy flavors, often using sugar, vinegar, and sometimes fruit.

* Teriyaki: Made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, often used as a glaze for meats.

* BBQ Sauce: A sweet, smoky sauce made with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.

* Tomato: Made from tomatoes and spices, can be used for pasta, sauces, and more.

* Flavor: The flavor of flavored sauces varies greatly depending on the ingredients and the specific recipe.

* Origin: Many different countries have their own traditional flavored sauces.

* Uses: Used in a wide range of dishes to enhance flavor, create a sauce base, or provide a finishing touch.

In summary:

* Oyster sauce is a specific type of flavored sauce, known for its unique umami flavor.

* Flavored sauces encompass a broader category of sauces that can be flavored with many different ingredients.

Think of it this way: All oyster sauces are flavored sauces, but not all flavored sauces are oyster sauces.