Oh, Worcestershire sauce. The condiment with one of the longest names out there. Everyone pronounces it differently, but when you put that aside, it's a killer ingredient to use in so many different recipes. From Caesar salad dressing to barbecue sauce to adding depth to hamburger meat, if you use Worcestershire sauce, you will pack in the savory flavor.
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So, what is Worcestershire sauce anyways? It's more than just that brown bottle you pass by at the grocery store. It's a fermented condiment from malt vinegar that's been flavored with molasses, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic, and other flavorings like chili pepper. When you find yourself all out of this savory condiment, try using one of these Worcestershire sauce substitutes.
1. Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe
Didn't think it was possible to make homemade Worcestershire sauce? Think again! Mix together garlic, apple cider vinegar, fish sauce, honey, molasses, tamarind paste, onion powder, chili powder and ground clove to mimic this favorite condiment.
Get the recipe here.
2. Soy Sauce
When you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, equal parts soy sauce will do the trick. Of course, it won't taste exactly the same, but it'll still pack in that savory flavor to marinades and dressings. Just keep in mind that most soy sauce is not gluten-free, however, there are some brands out there that do not contain wheat.
3. Tamarind Paste+Soy Sauce+White Vinegar
This combination of ingredients comes pretty darn close to Worcestershire sauce. Blend together a teaspoon of each ingredient along with a pinch of ground cloves and a dash of hot sauce. You'll get a bunch of different flavors from this substitute-sweet, savory, spicy and a little tart.
4. A-1 Steak Sauce
It's a little thicker than Worcestershire sauce but will taste very similar. A-1 Steak Sauce It's made with ingredients like tomato paste, raisin paste, vinegar, corn syrup, crushed orange purée, garlic, onions, and other flavorings and will definitely work as a Worcestershire sauce substitute.
Try it out in your next bbq sauce recipe.
5. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a bit of a funky condiment that's made from fermented anchovies. If you're all out of Worcestershire sauce, and looking for a salty and flavorful alternative, reach for the fish sauce.
6. Fish Sauce+Tamarind Concentrate
If you're craving a little sweetness, but love the flavor of fish sauce, mix together equal parts fish sauce and tamarind concentrate. It's sweet and salty, but best used in cooking applications rather than in salad dressings or cocktails.
7. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
Since regular Worcestershire sauce from the grocery store contains anchovies, that makes it a condiment vegans have to avoid. Luckily, this recipe is so simple to make and contains no fish at all. Just simmer together apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (low sodium soy sauce works), brown sugar, dijon mustard, allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
This is a great substitute that'll last in the refrigerator for up to two months. Get the recipe here.
Other resources online list options like soy sauce and ketchup, a combo of fish sauce along with red wine vinegar and salt, balsamic vinegar and tamarind paste, coconut aminos, fish sauce and lemon juice, oyster sauce, and miso paste and water, too
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This article was originally published on August 11, 2o20.
