Worcestershire (pronounced, WOO-stuh-shure) sauce adds a distinct, rich, umami flavor to so many dishes—ranging from steak marinade to a Bloody Mary—but it's not irreplaceable. If that bottle runs out mid-recipe, there are Worcestershire substitutes you can use to recreate its deliciousness without making an extra trip to the store.
The good news is that once you get your hands on a bottle of Worcestershire sauce—made from fermented anchovies, plus vinegar and tamarind—it'll last you.You can store an unopened bottle for about a year in the pantry, and an opened, refrigerated bottle is safe to use for months. Inevitably, it's bound to run out, and when that happens, here's what you can use instead.
DIY Imitation-Worcestershire Sauce Blend
Making this sauce blend from scratch is easier than getting to the store. “There’s no single ingredient that can be substituted for Worcestershire sauce to get the same sweet, salty, and sour flavor,” says Herve Malivert, director of culinary affairs at the Institute of Culinary Education, but this DIY blend comes closest.
“Try a combination of 1 part ketchup to ½ part soy sauce and ½ part malt vinegar to start," Malivert says, "and play with the proportions to balance the flavor.” Use this as a 1-to-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Reduced Balsamic Vinegar
For a similar texture, funk, and sweetness to Worcestershire, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it's concentrated, thick, and delicious. Over low heat, stir gently until the liquid has reduced by half. After it cools slightly, use it in the same proportion as Worcestershire sauce.
Soy Sauce
While it doesn’t hit all the same notes as Worcestershire, soy sauce certainly works in a pinch. Use it as a 1-to-1 swap and, if desired, add a pinch of sugar to replicate the sweetness in Worcestershire.
Miso Paste
Miso paste adds a fermented funkiness to a dish and can bring recipes requiring Worcestershire sauce to another level. To substitute, use miso in the same ratio as Worcestershire, and then mix with a bit of warm water to turn it into a stir-able paste. This works especially well in salad dressings and marinades.
Oyster Sauce
Made from oyster extract, sugar, salt, and cornstarch for thickness, oyster sauce can be a nice, slightly sweeter substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Use it in the same ratio and, if the recipe calls for added sugar (including agave or honey), halve the amount to avoid over-sweetening your dish.
Anchovy Paste
Typically sold in a tube, anchovy paste can be a salty, funky, 1-to-1 swap for Worcestershire sauce that melds easily with everything. If you don't have paste, you can mash up canned anchovies for a similar result.
Red Wine
For slow-cooked dishes, consider subbing any red wine for Worcestershire sauce to add flavor, acidity, and sweetness. Use twice as much wine as Worcestershire sauce called for in the recipe because the wine will reduce.
A1 Steak Sauce
If steak sauce is a staple in your household, grab a bottle to use as a 1-to-1 sub for Worcestershire sauce. Made from tomato paste, vinegar, and raisin paste, A1 has the same consistency as Worcestershire. It’s a bit sweeter but works well as an easy swap.
Maggi
Often likened to Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning—sold as a sauce as well as in cubes and as a granulated powder—is made from hydrolyzed wheat protein, and offers a funkier flavor than soy sauce. Use half as much Maggi as Worcestershire sauce to ensure your meal isn’t too salty. (You can always add more if needed.)
FAQs
Half fish sauce, half soy sauce, and a big pinch of brown sugar will make a fine sub for Worcestershire, as long as you dissolve the brown sugar really well. Use it the same way you'd use Worcestershire sauce, but in dishes that will be cooked (so there's no gritty or grainy remnants of sugar).
What can I use as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce? ›
Half fish sauce, half soy sauce, and a big pinch of brown sugar will make a fine sub for Worcestershire, as long as you dissolve the brown sugar really well. Use it the same way you'd use Worcestershire sauce, but in dishes that will be cooked (so there's no gritty or grainy remnants of sugar).
What is the Worcestershire sauce scandal? ›
The scare was triggered by the discovery of the industrial dye in a batch of Crosse and Blackwell Worcester Sauce. The dye, which is normally used in wax, petrol and floor polish, is thought to have been added to chilli powder before it was imported from India and used to make the sauce.
What is Worcestershire sauce made of? ›
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented sauce. It starts with a base of vinegar and is flavored with molasses, sugar, onion, garlic, tamarind, and anchovies. Other flavorings, such as lemon and soy sauce, may be used depending on the brand.
What is the secret ingredient in Worcestershire sauce? ›
The U.K. recipe uses barley malt and spirit vinegars while Americans get a formulation made with distilled white vinegar. Some brands skimp on the soak, relying instead on onion and garlic powders. What's the secret ingredient? Salt-laden, decomposed anchovies or sardines.
What ingredient gives Worcestershire sauce its unique flavor? ›
Anchovies add umami (savoriness). The ingredient that gives Worcestershire sauce its unique flavor is tamarind, the fruit of Tamarindus indica, or Indian date in Arabic.
What's the difference between soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce? ›
Worcestershire sauce is made from a base of vinegar and fermented anchovies, along with various other ingredients such as molasses, sugar, onions, garlic, tamarind, and various spices. On the other hand, soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, roasted grains, water, and salt.
What is Worcestershire sauce compared to? ›
Worcestershire Sauce is a versatile condiment from England. It's classically served with steak or eggs (or both!) It adds a salty umami flavor profile as well as sweetness which makes me think of it as an English version of soy sauce.
What is a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in beef stroganoff? ›
We always recommend sticking with the original recipe, as that will produce the best results. However, soy sauce is a 1:1 substitute, and the closest and most recommended substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Is Worcestershire sauce healthy or not? ›
in conclusion, Worcestershire Sauce is a very flavorful ingredient you can and should add to your next meal. although it does have a variety of healthy ingredients it shouldn't be taken in excess because of the sodium and sugar levels.
Like vinegar, Worcestershire sauce does not need to be refrigerated. Whether unopened or open it can be stored in the pantry for two years.
What are the ingredients in no name Worcestershire sauce? ›
Ingredients: White Vinegar, Sugar (sugar, Table Molasses), Water, Salt,caramel Colour, Spices, Natural Flavour, Garlic Powder, Anchovies,tamarind. May Contain: Mustard, Sesame.
What are the ingredients in French's Worcestershire sauce? ›
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Ingredients: Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Water, Corn Syrup, Salt, Caramel Color, Sugar, Spices, Anchovy Puree, Natural Flavors (Soy) & Tamarind Extract.
Can I substitute Worcestershire sauce for teriyaki sauce? ›
If you're looking for a substitute with a bit more depth and complexity, try combining Worcestershire sauce and honey. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami flavor, while the honey provides sweetness. Mix equal parts of Worcestershire sauce and honey to create a flavorful alternative to teriyaki sauce.
Can I use liquid aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce? ›
Liquid aminos are used just as you would use soy sauce, such as in vegetable stir-fries, fried rice, marinated tofu, salad dressing and many other Chinese and Japanese dishes. Liquid aminos can also be used as a Worcestershire sauce substitute for vegans, as it does not contain anchovies.
Is there a Worcestershire sauce without anchovies? ›
Yes, there are a few brands that make Worcestershire sauce without anchovies: eg. Annie's, Whole Foods 365, Kroegers, and Albertsons to name a few.
What is the difference between Worcester sauce and Worcestershire sauce? ›
A brief history of one of this area's most famous products - and a name most people get wrong. Worcestershire Sauce is often called, incorrectly, Worcester Sauce. Lea and Perrins relies on the molasses in its formula to give the sauce its naturally dark colour.
