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Worcestershire Sauce Substitute

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Use only common kitchen ingredients to learn how to make the best Worcestershire Sauce Substitute. This easy recipe relies on the savory richness of vinegar, soy sauce, and dry seasonings to create a good substitute for Worcestershire Sauce. Perfect for those moments when you run out of Worcestershire Sauce but still want to add a depth of flavor to your dishes.

A glass bowl with a Worcestershire sauce in it.
Worcestershire Sauce Substitute. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

From the moment I made this sauce the first time, it has become a real gem in the family. Since then, it has been one of our regular sauces in the fridge, and we never have to buy a bottle in the shop. 

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This sauce is perfect for grilled dishes like grilled shrimp skewers and skewered Brussels sprouts since it can add rich, savory flavor to these recipes. You can also use Worcestershire sauce for stir-fry dishes like low-carb stir-fry to make your dinner unique and delicious.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Worcestershire sauce is the secret ingredient that adds depth and umami to your favorite recipes. Although sometimes it brings unwanted costs like carbs, fear not because I got you a low-carb-friendly substitute that packs a punch of flavor for your following dishes.

Here are the reasons why you will love this substitute recipe:

  • Rich Umami Flavor – this Worcestershire sauce offers a robust umami punch to your dishes, enhancing their overall taste. There is no need for store-bought vegan a1 steak sauce because Worcestershire sauce isn’t just a simple sauce but magic.
  • Versatile – Worcestershire sauce is a versatile condiment as it is not just for steak but can also be a gem in the kitchen, working wonders in marinades, dressings, and even as a secret ingredient in soups. No sauces do it like Worcestershire sauce.
  • Low-Carb Friendly is also perfect for those on a low-carb or keto journey, as this sauce adds flavor without unwanted carbs.

Low-Carb Sauces

Since I promote a low-carb eating lifestyle, I have made a few sauces that match every healthy recipe I have here. I have prepared salad dressings such as simple ranch dressing and creamy salsa dressing for some of my classic salad recipes.

For my chicken recipes and other Mexican dishes, apart of BBQ sauce, I have enchilada sauce with a perfectly balanced flavor using homemade broth and enchilada seasoning. There is no need for a dash of hot sauce with this recipe.

This cranberry sauce is the best part of every Thanksgiving and Holidays table. Try making it at home and experience tanginess and sweetness in one sauce.

A glass bowl with a spoon in it.
A glass bowl with a spoon in it.

Gluten Free Soy Sauce

Gluten-free soy sauce has more uses than you think. I chose this ingredient for my Worcestershire sauce to achieve umami goodness without the gluten. This sauce is a must-have in your pantry; you can even make it home. 

Making equal parts soy sauce is easy if you have all the necessary ingredients, like tamari sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and homemade sweetener. This ingredient is essential for making sauce substitutes as it is the recipe that calls for Worcestershire, an umami-rich sauce.

Fish Sauce Vs. Oyster Sauce

Choosing between fish sauce and oyster sauce for your Worcestershire substitute depends on your taste preferences and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Fish sauce brings a bold umami kick, while oyster sauce provides a sweeter, seafood-infused alternative.

Different Types Of Vinegar To Use For Worcestershire Sauce

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity undertone, enhancing the overall complexity of your Worcestershire sauce. It provides a milder acidity than other vinegar types, allowing the different flavors to shine.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar brings a deep, complex flavor, adding richness and a touch of sweetness to your Worcestershire sauce. Due to its strong flavor, use this vinegar in moderation to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Red Wine Vinegar

Red wine vinegar offers a balanced blend of fruitiness and tanginess, contributing to a well-rounded Worcestershire sauce, and its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of recipes.

Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar introduces a delicate sweetness, complementing your sauce’s savory and umami elements. Like apple cider vinegar, it also provides acidity without overpowering other ingredients.

Malt Vinegar

If you aim for a more traditional profile, malt vinegar is a classic choice.

A glass bowl with Worcestershire sauce in it.
A glass bowl with Worcestershire sauce.

How To Make The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitute

Let us dive in on how to make this Worcestershire sauce substitute for your following party dishes savory and more flavorful. The exact measurements of the ingredients and dry powders are all listed in the recipe card.

Kitchen Gadgets Needed:

  • Blender or Magic Bullet
  • Spoon
  • Small Prep Bowls

Ingredients Needed:

  • Vinegar
  • Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
  • Brown Sweetener
  • Mustard Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground Ginger
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Pure Ground Cardamom

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMEMADE WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

First Step: Prepare All Ingredients

First of all, prepare all the ingredients needed. Vinegar could be apple cider or balsamic vinegar; it depends on your taste preference. The best soy sauce you can use is the gluten-free one, or try coconut aminos, which you can find in nearby grocery stores.

Dry ingredients are the important ones that make this sauce a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Prepare them and place them separately in a dry container or small bowl.

A variety of spices on a white background.
Spices are shown on a white background.

Second Step: Combine All Ingredients

Start combining all your ingredients, starting with the wet ones. First are the vinegar and soy sauce. Wait to mix until the rest of the ingredients are added.

Add all the dry ingredients and prepare to blend. It does not matter what goes first in the dry ingredients, as they will all be mixed and blended in.

A person pouring ingredients into bowls on a wooden table.
Pouring ingredients into bowls on a wooden table.

Third Step: Blend

Blend all the ingredients until well combined using a blender or magic bullet. This process will form the base of your Worcestershire sauce alternative. You can taste it after blending, so you can still adjust the taste and flavor and add whatever is lacking.

Transfer into a glass container or cup and rest for a few minutes. Serve and use your homemade Worcestershire sauce in your next variety of dishes.

Two pictures of a person pouring a mixture into a bowl.
Pouring a mixture into a bowl.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Balance – to get the perfect Worcestershire flavor and balance, you can play around with how much vinegar, soy sauce, or dried ingredients you want to add until you get the proper harmony for your taste buds.
  • Whisking method – if you do not have a blender or food processor at home, you can do the whisking method.
  • Fresh ingredients – while the recipe needs a lot of dried spices, you can experiment with fresh garlic and onions if you have them on hand. Fresh ingredients can add a vibrant kick to your sauce substitute.
  • Smoked paprika – you are free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness or a dash of cayenne pepper for a gentle heat. Worcestershire sauce is known for its complexity, and your substitute can be a canvas for experimenting with different flavors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Are Coconut Aminos And Worcestershire Sauce The Same?

While coconut aminos are similar to Worcestershire sauce, they are generally different.

Coconut aminos – coconut aminos are made from the sap of coconut blossoms and are typically mixed with salt. It is a soy sauce alternative, making it a gluten-free and soy-free option.

Worcestershire sauce is made from fermented liquid condiments with anchovies, garlic, onions, tamarind, vinegar, and various spices. It often contains soy sauce, making it unsuitable for those with soy allergies.

What Are Other Ingredient Substitutes For Worcestershire Sauce?

You can experiment and customize the ingredients to replace Worcestershire sauce. If you do not have any of the ingredients I used, you can find alternatives like:

  • Tamari 
  • Coconut Aminos
  • Fish Sauce
  • Anchovy Paste
  • Mushroom Soy Sauce
  • Miso Paste

While they may have some changes in tanginess or sweetness or the whole flavor profile of the sauce, it depends on you because we have different dishes to use our Worcestershire sauce with.

What To Serve With Sub For Worcestershire Sauce?

You can serve your Worcestershire sub by using it for various dishes, especially the savory ones. Brush just the right amount of Worcestershire sauce onto your grilled meats or skewers like steaks, burgers, grilled shrimp, and Brussels sprouts skewers I mentioned above. 

It is also the perfect ingredient to add savory flavor to your salad dressings. Add it to your salsa dressing for your taco and green dressing for your green goddess salad for a tangy kick coming from the vinegar and the rich flavor of Worcestershire sauce itself. 

A glass bowl filled with Worcestershire sauce.
Worcestershire sauce.

How Do I Store Worcestershire Steak Sauce?

Store homemade Worcestershire sauce in the refrigerator since the cold temperature preserves the freshness of the sauce, which you can later use as a steak sauce. You can also place it in an airtight container, as you should not expose Worcestershire sauce to air, which may cause a decrease in flavor.

Can I Freeze Worcestershire And BBQ Sauce?

If you made a big batch and will not use the sauce within a few weeks, consider freezing it in smaller portions. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When ready to use your frozen Worcestershire and BBQ sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain their quality.

More Savory Recipes

Check out more of our recipes where you can achieve the perfect savory flavor your taste buds are looking for. Make your dinner more exciting and spicy by cooking this BBQ bacon burger with this Italian baked chicken, perfect for Holidays.

Try this low-carb meatloaf recipe with cheese and leeks for a juicy and savory celebration. Place these spicy sausage balls on your dinner table, and they will disappear in seconds.

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Homemade low carb worcestershire sauce substitute.
Homemade low carb worcestershire sauce substitute.

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A person is pouring a Worcestershire sauce into a bowl.

Worcestershire Sauce Substitute

Zuzana Paar
5 from 4 votes
Use only common kitchen ingredients to learn how to make the best Worcestershire Sauce Substitute. This easy recipe relies on the savory richness of vinegar, soy sauce, and dry seasonings to create a good substitute for Worcestershire Sauce. Perfect for those moments when you run out of Worcestershire Sauce but still want to add a depth of flavor to your dishes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Soup-Sauces-Dips
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 15 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • First of all, prepare all the ingredients needed. Dry ingredients are the important ones that make this sauce a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Prepare them and place them separately in a dry container or small bowl.
  • Start combining all your ingredients, starting with the wet ones. First are the vinegar and soy sauce. Add all the dry ingredients and prepare to blend.
  • Blend all the ingredients until well combined using a blender or magic bullet. Transfer into a glass container or cup and rest for a few minutes. Serve and use your homemade Worcestershire sauce in your next variety of dishes.

Video

Notes

  • Balance – to get the perfect Worcestershire flavor and balance, you can play around with how much vinegar, soy sauce, or dried ingredients you want to add until you get the proper harmony for your taste buds.
  • Whisking method – if you do not have a blender or food processor at home, you can do the whisking method.
  • Fresh ingredients – while the recipe needs a lot of dried spices, you can experiment with fresh garlic and onions if you have them on hand. Fresh ingredients can add a vibrant kick to your sauce substitute.
  • Smoked paprika – you are free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness or a dash of cayenne pepper for a gentle heat. Worcestershire sauce is known for its complexity, and your substitute can be a canvas for experimenting with different flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1TablespoonCalories: 15kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 336mgPotassium: 37mgVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.4mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on December 30th, 2023
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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2 Comments on “Worcestershire Sauce Substitute”

  1. 5 stars
    Wow, how fantastic to find a healthier, fresher alternative. I tried this just yesterday and it tasted really great. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

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