Substitute For Worcestershire Sauce - 3 Easy Recipes - The Melrose Family (2024)

There is no ingredient as magical as Worcestershire Sauce for adding flavor to any great recipe. But what do you do when you’ve run out or have a dietary restriction? Luckily, there are so many substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce using simple staple ingredients--each one a little different.

The recipes below are some great options as you look for a substitute for Worcestershire Sauce. And the best part is, they hardly requires much more than mixing!

What is Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce was originally fermented in the early 18th century in Worcester, England by Lea & Perrins, still the go to brand that we all recognize when buying Worcestershire Sauce today. It's the perfect storm of flavor: tangy, savory, slightly sweet...it is aged in barrels like wine, which adds to the sometimes oakiness of the well rounded flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce is commonly used to add flavor to everything from hamburgers and meatloaf to Caesar salad dressing and a Bloody Mary. It is often that one back note that changes a tasty dish into an unforgettable one.

I know I wouldn’t enjoy Chicken Caesar Salad as much without that all important addition of Worcestershire Sauce in the mix.

Common Questions About Worcestershire Sauce

• What are the main ingredients in store bought Worcestershire Sauce?

Worcestershire Sauce contains white vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, onion, anchovy, garlic, clove, tamarind extract, and other seasonings.

• Is Worcestershire Sauce vegetarian?

Worcestershire Sauce traditionally contains anchovy paste or fish sauce, so if you are a vegetarian be sure to use a recipe variation that leaves out either of these.

• Is Worcestershire Sauce gluten free?

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce claims to be gluten free and, judging by the ingredients listed, it seems to be the case.

What Can I Substitute For Worcestershire Sauce?

So, you have the perfect meatloaf recipe in hand but…..the Worcestershire Sauce bottle is empty! You think to yourself, what can I substitute for Worcestershire Sauce in a recipe? Well you’re in luck. Below we’re giving you three variations that can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire Sauce.Brief descriptions are below and the full recipes are listed after that.

Option 1:

The first substitute for Worcestershire Sauce in a recipe is made with apple cider vinegar and soy sauce, along with water, brown sugar, mustard, anchovy paste, and several spices, including cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This version has the most tang and complexity of flavor, though the final product yields a little over a cup. Make sure to note that this version uses anchovy paste, so this substitute Worcestershire Sauce is not for vegetarians or vegans.

A Brief Note On Soy Sauce:

Most of the time I prefer to use Kikkoman Soy Sauce, which I find the most flavorful. In addition, I tend to use the low sodium version because 1) low sodium is always healthier and 2) I prefer to add a little salt to taste when creating my Worcestershire Sauce substitute.If you're not a fan of Kikkoman's or want to try a homemade variety, then I highly recommend trying this homemade soy sauce substitute recipe. It's delicious and easy!

Option 2:

The second variation for Worcestershire Sauce is also cider vinegar and soy sauce based, but simplified by adding only water, brown sugar, mustard, and salt. This version is silkier and more reminiscent of soy sauce without the additional flavoring. The full recipe is listed below.

Option 3:

The third variation is a little, well, beefier. I enjoy this one the most! This Worcestershire Sauce substitute is made from balsamic vinegar and beef broth, along with molasses, and a unique spice blend of ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. The result is less soy-centric, and more earthy, though it missed a little bit of tang.

The best part of these three variations on a Worcestershire Sauce substitute is that you can make a few kinds, isolate the flavor differences, and determine which you prefer the most.

Save and label the containers or save an original Worcestershire Sauce bottle and replace it with your own creation for an easy pour. Either way, you will have all the flavor you need to add to your favorite recipes!

Three Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Substitute Recipes

Recipe #1: The Ultimate Worcestershire Sauce Substitute

Recipe #2: Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce Substitute

Recipe #3: Beef both based Worcestershire Sauce substitute

FAQs

More Great Recipes

• Looking for a healthier homemade soy sauce alternative? Check out our Top Soy Sauce Substitutes
• Ready to test out your homemade Worcestershire sauce? Try adding it to our famous Hidden Veggie Teriyaki meatballs recipe.