Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment. It was originally made by two chemists, John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins, in Worcester, England.
It is made of malt vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic, and spices. It is commonly used to complement stews, sauces, salads, and marinades.
As most Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, it is avoided by individuals who are allergic to fish or have dietary restrictions. Sometimes, you may run out of this sauce.
This article will discuss some of the substitutes that may be swapped for Worcestershire sauce in such instances.
10 Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for Worcestershire Sauce are – Soy Sauce, Coconut Aminos, Miso Paste, Tamari, Balsamic Vinegar, Fish Sauce, Marmite, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Anchovy Paste. They are discussed in detail here –
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a dark brown sauce made from soybeans and wheat. It is popularly used in Japan, China, and Eastern countries as an all-purpose seasoning.
It may work as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce as both sauces have strong, tangy flavors. It brings a salty umami taste, a caramel-like character to the dishes, like Worcestershire sauce.
However, you may add a pinch of brown sugar or tamarind concentrate, or molasses to the soy sauce to resemble the complex flavor of Worcestershire sauce. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with a soy allergy.
Summary
Soy sauce is the popular substitute for Worcestershire sauce as it is readily available and brings a salty umami taste.
Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a dark-colored sauce that is similar to soy sauce. It comes from the sap of the coconut plant that is fermented due to the natural sugars present within it.
It may work as an allergy-friendly, gluten-free substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Also, it has significantly less salt and is suitable for individuals who do not eat fish.
Like Worcestershire sauce, it is made of fermented ingredients and has a salty-sweet flavor. It may be used as a flavoring for rice, noodles, or vegetable dishes, or marinade.
Summary
Coconut aminos are a low-sodium, gluten-free substitute for Worcestershire sauce with a salty-sweet flavor.
Miso Paste
Miso is a Japanese paste made using fermented soybean by fungus Aspergillus oryzae, molded rice, and salt. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, isoflavones, and lecithin.
It may be used as a substitute for Worchester sauce in marinades, soups, casseroles, gravies, and any sauce due to its earthy, savory flavor. The umami flavor of miso paste comes out well when it is diluted in hot water.
Also, it is suitable for vegans.
Summary
Miso paste may work as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in dishes to bring the salty, savory, and earthy flavor.
Tamari
Tamari is the Japanese form of soy sauce that is a byproduct of fermented soybeans. It offers a robust, savory umami flavor. It is also vegan and gluten-free as it does not typically contain wheat.
It bears a close resemblance to Worcestershire sauce, and therefore, may be used as its substitute. It is darker, richer and adds salty umami flavors to the dishes.
Summary
Tamari is a type of soy sauce used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its salty umami flavors.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is traditionally made from white Trebbiano grapes of Italy, which are harvested, fermented and concentrated. It delivers a complex taste to a variety of dishes while maintaining the acidic kick of vinegar.
As vinegar is the base of the Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar may be swapped for Worcestershire sauce. Both deliver tartness, sweetness, and complex flavors.
However, balsamic vinegar may need extra ingredients like tamarind paste to resemble Worcestershire sauce.
Summary
The similar complex flavor of balsamic vinegar makes it an excellent substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauces are a liquid condiment made by heavily salt-preserved fish material. It imparts a savory umami flavor and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
It may be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its characteristic flavor and taste. Like Worcestershire sauce, it is also a fermented product made using anchovies.
However, it is a little watery and clear with less sweetness.
Summary
Fish sauce is another good substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its similar taste.
Marmite
Marmite is the thick paste made from the yeast byproduct left after brewing beer. It is savory, bready, salty, and like soy sauce.
It may be spread on toast or incorporated into stews and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It may work as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its intense, salty, rich flavor. However, it has to be added a little due to its strong flavor.
It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Summary
Marmite may work as a vegan-friendly substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its strong punch.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce, also called Peking sauce, is a thick reddish-brown sauce used in cooking and as a condiment. It is made from soybeans, flour, sugar, water, spices, garlic, and chili.
It is commonly used in cooking shellfish and fatty meats.
It is sweet and spicy and may be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce due to its similarity in consistency.
Summary
Hoisin sauce may work as a substitute for Worcestershire due to its rich sweet and savory depth of flavor.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is made using poaching oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Commercial oyster sauce may contain MSG for a strong umami flavor.
It may substitute Worchestershire due to its strong umami flavor and subtle sweetness, especially in braised, grilled, and roasted meat dishes. A little lemon juice or wine vinegar may be added to the oyster sauce to get a sharper taste.
Summary
Oyster sauce may work as a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce in meat and fishes when a nice dose of umami flavor is required.
Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste is made from the fermented anchovy fillets ground into a paste with vinegar, spices, a small amount of sugar, and water. It is widely used as a seasoning ingredient in European cuisine.
It may work as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce as anchovy fish is a key ingredient in Worchestershire sauce. It may bring an umami flavor that may elevate the taste.
Summary
Anchovy paste may work as a substitute for Worchestershire sauce due to its flavor resemblance.
FAQs
No, both are different products with different components. A1 sauce is originally produced in the UK and marketed as a steak sauce. Worcestershire is a fermented condiment made originally in England. However, both can be used as a condiment with meats or as a marinade.
No, the traditional Worcestershire saucer is not vegan as it contains anchovies which is a type of fish. However, some brands in the market make vegan Worcestershire sauce that is plant-based.
Bottom Line
Worcestershire sauce is a popular sauce compromising of savory, sour, sweet, and spice flavors. If you want to avoid Worcestershire sauce due to dietary restrictions or run out of it, there are a few substitutions.
However, with most substitutions, a replacement is not quite going to taste the same. You may need to do trial and error till you achieve the desired flavor profile matching Worcestershire sauce.