No Chinese kitchen is complete without a set of essential sauces. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil form the backbone of most recipes. Each sauce adds its own depth, from umami richness to subtle sweetness. Understanding when and how to use these sauces is key to replicating authentic flavors at home. Our chefs share tips for combining sauces to enhance taste without overwhelming the dish.