Looking for an alternative to Worcerstershire sauce? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Worcestershire Sauce substitutes.
What is Worcestershire Sauce?
Worcestershire Sauce is a versatile condiment used in English cuisine.
It adds salty umami flavours as well as sweetness which makes me think of it as an English version of soy sauce.
The ingredients include malt vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, anchovies, tamarind, onion, garlic spices and flavour.
The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes
1. Balsamic Vinegar
Given that vinegar is the largest ingredient in Worcestershire, balsamic would be my first go-to when I’m looking for a substitute. Both provide tartness and sweetness and complex flavours.
While many people use Worcestershire in their bolognese, I prefer the sweet acidity of balsamic.
And if you don’t have any balsamic vinegar a splash of red wine vinegar and some brown sugar will play a similar role.
2. Soy Sauce + Sugar
In recipes like bolognese or beef stew or welsh rarebit where Worcestershire provids complex flavours, a splash of soy sauce. And possibly a pinch of brown sugar will work well.
Start with half the amount of soy sauce. Add a little brown sugar or molasses to provide sweetness.
3. BBQ Sauce
Most BBQ sauces will be sweeter and thicker than Worcestershire. They will also add similar onion based complex flavours. If you don’t mind the sugar.
4. Fish sauce
Given that both fish sauce and Worcestershire are made from fermented anchovies, there are similar flavours.
Worcestershire has a lot more sweetness and other flavours from the spices onion and garlic.
Start with half the amount of fish sauce and add a little brown sugar or molasses to provide sweetness.
5. Coconut Aminos
Coconut Aminos are a coconut based version of soy sauce. They are surprisingly similar to Worcestershire in terms of sweetness and savoury flavours.
They aren’t as vinegary but are a good match.
The only reason I haven’t included them higher on the list is most people don’t have a bottle in their pantry.
6. Anchovies
A few finely chopped anchovies added to your bolognese or caesar salad dressing can add the savoury saltiness and depth of flavour you’re looking for.
It wouldn’t be my first option. Especially in simple dishes like Welsh Rarebit.
Worcestershire Sauce Flavour Pairings
- Chicken & Worcestershire Sauce
- Bacon & Worcestershire Sauce
- Eggs & Worcestershire Sauce
- Beef & Worcestershire Sauce
- Cheese & Worcestershire Sauce
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x