What is Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment made from ingredients such as vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic, tamarind and various seasonings. It can provide depth and richness to many recipes, from burgers and Cajun shrimp to cocktail sauces and even party mixes.
How to replace it
Worcestershire sauce can be described in many ways: sweet, salty, tangy, smoky, spicy. It has a complex depth of flavour and, therefore, you can choose from among a variety of ingredients (many of which are already included in Worcestershire sauce) to replace it, depending on the recipe. Some suggestions include:
- Vinegar: If you have a recipe that requires Worcestershire’s telltale tang, a dash of vinegar (malt vinegar in particular) will do the trick. Use it in a barbecue sauce.
- Spices: Swap the sauce with a pinch of allspice to mimic that savoury flavour. Try it in recipes like a meatloaf that’ll benefit from allspice’s warm and aromatic flavour.
- Anchovies: For that umami punch, a bit of anchovies (or anchovy paste) can go a long way! Try it in sauces and dressings in which Worcestershire is used as a flavour enhancer, or in stews or braised dishes where it deepens the flavour profile.
- Soy sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce is the perfect spicy and salty touch to drinks like a Bloody Caesar. In its stead, you can use a splash of soy sauce, which also provides an umami taste.
Looking for ways to substitute other ingredients in the kitchen? Read these articles: