• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » My Kitchen & Garden

    Published: Oct 30, 2022 · Modified: Sep 6, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce

    Jump to Recipe

    When you have a recipe that lists Worcestershire sauce as an ingredient and you do not have it, using a substitute or an alternate can be done.  For alternatives when you do not have Worcestershire, this list includes so many choices that there is likely something you have already that you can use in a pinch.   There are many quick ingredients that can be used instead. Many you may have in your pantry ready to go. But I have also shared a quick recipe for the best substitute for Worcestershire when you need a deep flavorful alternate. 

    Depending on what you will be cooking or making, you may need to take into account the salt level or ingredients that others may be allergic to.  If using Worcestershire sauce as a means to add salt and season a dish, the alternate ingredients that can be used are quite easy. If you are making a recipe that needs a bigger bolder flavor profile that comes from the Worcestershire, my homemade recipe below is the recipe you need.

    Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce PN1 a bottle of worcestershire sauce in the foreground and a bottle of soy sauce and fish sauce in the background

    Worcestershire sauce is a rich flavor enhancer. It is great served with beef (like in my recipe for Beef & Cheddar Sliders), making sauces and marinades, and adding to casseroles. Like salt, it brings out the flavors of any dish it is used it. That is probably why it is a popular condiment in the USA, UK, and other countries.

    Substitute cooking is easy to do. Just start with what you have in your pantry and look for something with the same flavor profile. These ideas all work great just like the suggestions I make if you need a substitute for sesame oil. Cooking should be fun, so don't stress - we got this.

    Jump to:
    • Worcestershire Sauce vs Soy Sauce Ingredients
    • Worcestershire Sauce Uses & Recipes
    • Best Substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce
    • How to Make Worcestershire Sauce at Home
    • What Flavor Does Worcestershire Sauce Add
    • How to Make  Homemade Worcestershire Sauce
    • PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
    • FAQ
    • Homemade Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce

    Worcestershire Sauce vs Soy Sauce Ingredients

    There is only one ingredient similar ingredient in each of these two sauces - salt.  With that being said if the reason for the Worcestershire sauce is simply to add salt to a dish, salt is a good substitute. However most of the time a recipe is calling for Worcestershire sauce to add more than salt, but also a rich umami flavor that is sweet, salty, and seasoned. 

    Worcestershire sauce ingredients include anchovies, garlic, vinegar, molasses, onion, cloves, chili extract, tamarind, salt, and high fructose corn syrup.  It is a gluten-free food but is not vegetarian or vegan due to the anchovy that lends so much saltiness to the sauce. 

    Soy sauce ingredients include soybeans, wheat, enzyme puree, and salt.  This is not a gluten-free or soy-free food so may not be the best straight-up substitute for Worcestershire sauce for those with food allergies. 

    Worcestershire Sauce Uses & Recipes

    For some recipe ideas on what to use your Worcestershire sauce on, try these recommendations from BON APPETITE.  Here are some of my favorite recipes that use Worcestershire. 

    If you end up making one of these substitutes for sesame oil, make enough to try some of these recipes too. The homemade Worcestershire Sauce alternate recipe below is also great for making stews, sauces, stir fry, dressings, or marinades.

    • Keto Steak Marinade featured close up of 3 steaks in a white dish with marinade and fresh parsley on the table next to it
      Keto Steak Marinade
    • Featured side view of skillet ready to serve.
      Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet Casserole
    • Furikake Snack Mix
      Furikake Snack Mix
    • Southern Pimento Cheese
      Southern Pimento Cheese

    The Worcestershire sauce substitute recipe and ideas work great in the following recipes as well. So if you need an alternative to make one of these, go for it!

    • MEATLOAF
    • BURGERS
    • MEATBALLS
    • SHEPHERD'S PIE
    • BEEF STROGANOFF
    • CRAB CAKES
    • CHEX MIX
    • PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICHES

    Best Substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce

    These easy pantry staples can be a quick substitute for Worcestershire sauce. If you have a recipe and need to use something instead, try one of these replacements.

    • Soy Sauce
    • Fish Sauce
    • Anchovy Paste
    • Tamarind
    • A1 Steak Sauce
    • BBQ Sauce
    • Catsup/Ketchup
    • Balsamic Vinegar
    • Malt or Cider Vinegar
    • Red or White Wine Vinegar
    • Coconut Aminos
    • Lemon or Lime Juice
    A shallow white dish with homemade Worcestershire sauce and a spoon.

    How to Make Worcestershire Sauce at Home

    Alternatives to Worcestershire can be simply using commonly found items you may already have in your pantry or refrigerator. So the next time you run out, rest assured it is easy to replace it in a recipe by using any of the ideas I share below. 

    I also include my favorite homemade recipe for the best Worcestershire replacement.  It is quick, easy, and works as a substitute for any recipe you are making.  

     

    Other Alternates to Worcestershire Sauce

    If you are in a pinch and do not have time to make a homemade Worcestershire sauce recipe, here are some quick substitutes you can use instead.  Based on what you need to bring to a recipe, here is what I suggest you use alternate ingredients when you are out of Worcestershire. 

    1. For Salt in a recipe - salt, soy sauce, tamari, or fish sauce
    2. For Sour in a recipe - lime juice, lemon juice, or vinegar
    3. For Sweet in a recipe - brown sugar, molasses, honey, corn syrup
    4. Spice in a recipe - red pepper flakes, garlic, minced dry onion, black pepper, hot sauce  

    What Flavor Does Worcestershire Sauce Add

    The key to making a quick and easy Worcestershire sauce in a pinch, understanding what each ingredient brings to the famous sauce is important.   To make a homemade recipe alternative, mimic all the flavors that combine to make Worcestershire that well-known rich umami flavor. So let's break down the ingredients by flavor profile:

    • Salt - anchovies & salt
    • Spice - garlic, onion, clove, & chili extract
    • Sweet - molasses & high fructose corn syrup or sugar
    • Sour /Acid- tamarind & vinegar

    To best make a homemade recipe, I wanted to mimic all those four flavors to get that one special sauce combination. I think I got it down just right.

    Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce bottles on a table

    How to Make  Homemade Worcestershire Sauce

    This recipe has several versions of Worcestershire sauce that are a great alternative to use in your favorite recipe.  I share how to make vegan or vegetarian recipes. The recipe can be made without shellfish due to allergies as well.

      In addition, this Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free & grain-free; therefore, it is the perfect allergy-free recipe with just a few changes. 

    To ensure we have all the ingredients needed for each flavor profile, here is what will be used for the substituted homemade Worcestershire sauce which is a gluten-free recipe:

    • Salt - Tamari/fish sauce & salt
    • Spice - garlic, clove, & chili powder
    • Sweet - molasses or brown sugar
    • Sour /Acid- lime juice & vinegar 
     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce PIN
     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     

    FAQ

    Can you substitute soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce?

    Soy sauce is probably one of the most common swaps when you need a Worcestershire sauce alternative. It is salty and has umami flavors that make it a quick problem solver. It is a great substitute when making cheesesteaks, crab cakes, or Chex mix.

    Can you use A1 Steak Sauce instead of Worcestershire?

    Many people think that A1 sauce is a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire. But it is not. However, the similar flavors make it a great substitute. A1 will be thicker and a different color but when making things like meatloaf, burgers, stroganoff, or meatballs you can use A1 as an alternative to Worcestershire.

    Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?

    Due to the seafood ingredients in Worcestershire, it is not vegan-friendly. Most brands contain anchovies. However, if you want a vegan alternative make my homemade recipe below and omit the fish sauce.

    Is Worcestershire sauce spicy?

    It is not spicy but it does have a combination of spices and seasoning for an intense flavor punch. A little goes a long way. To make a spicy version, try out the homemade recipe below and add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Flavor overload!

    Worcestershire sauce in a bowl with a silver spoon.

    Homemade Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce

    Angela
    When you are making a recipe that calls for Worcestershire sauce and you do not have any, this substitute works best as an alternative. Replace Worcestershire sauce with this homemade recipe substitution for an easy swap.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ Cup apple cider vinegar
    • 3 Tablespoons Tamari gluten-free soy sauce
    • 2 Tablespoons Molasses or brown sugar vegan processed molasses if you can find it
    • ½ teaspoon fish sauce lime juice for vegetarian or vegan
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/16 teaspoon clove
    • 1/16 teaspoon chili powder

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan, add all ingredients. Whisk to combine.
    • Turn the heat on medium and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk often to stir.
    • Turn off the heat and cool. Use as you would in any recipe calling for Worcestershire sauce.
    • Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can be frozen also for up to a month. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
    Keyword condiment, dip, marinade, sauce, savory
     

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

    « Substitutes for Brown Sugar
    Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos with Wontons
    • spicy jalapeno basil moscow mules ready to drink in copper mugs
      Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Garlic Butter Wings Plated and topped with fresh parsley.
      Garlic Butter Wings
    • A bun topped with 3-ingredient sloppy joe meat and cheese.
      3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Toaster Oven Baked Potatoes featured 4 ready to eat and plated
      Toaster Oven Baked Potato

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any item as if they were your own is prohibited & illegal.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT