Worcestershire sauce works as a secret ingredient in many dishes. You can use it to elevate marinades, dressings, and even cocktails. Its complex flavor adds depth with just a few drops.
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Worcestershire Sauce Recipe
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment. It is known for its complex, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. Its umami flavor, largely due to the anchovies, is somehow similar to Asian fish sauces.
Worcestershire pairs perfectly with grilled meats like steaks, sausages, and chops, or can be mixed into marinades for chicken, seafood, or tofu. It also elevates sauces like barbecue, steak sauce, cocktail sauce, and Bloomin’ Onion sauce.
You can add Worcestershire sauce to dips such as dill dip, bacon ranch chip dip, or French onion dip. It works well in appetizers like ham and cheese pinwheels, salmon croquettes, and stuffed mushrooms, as well as main dishes like meatloaf, chili, burgers, and pasta.
The sauce also flavors cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar. It adds umami depth to recipes like Welsh rarebit, Caesar salad, beef stew, deviled eggs, and baked beans.
This is how to make Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses or blackstrap molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional, for slight heat
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar and anchovies dissolve completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother sauce. (Optional)
- Pour into a sterilized jar or bottle and refrigerate. Let it rest for 24 hours for the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Shake well before each use.
Variations
Worcestershire sauce has evolved into various regional versions.
- Spicy Worcestershire
- Add 1 tsp hot sauce or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky heat
- Sweeter Version
- Increase brown sugar to 2 tbsp
- Swap molasses for honey or maple syrup for a lighter sweetness
- Tangy Citrus Version
- Replace lemon juice with lime juice
- Add 1/2 tsp orange zest for a fresh citrus note
- Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
- Omit anchovies
- Use 1 tsp white miso paste or finely chopped nori (seaweed) for umami
- Gluten-Free Version uses tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Sodium Version
- Use low-sodium soy sauce
- Reduce or omit added salt
- Asian-Inspired Worcestershire
- Add 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar
- Add 1 tsp fish sauce alongside or in place of anchovies
- Mexican-Style Worcestershire (Salsa Inglesa)
- Use white vinegar
- Add 1/2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp chipotle powder
- Include a dash of tamarind paste if available