Worcestershire sauce: what is it & how to use it

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated November 27, 2022

It’s a sauce that originates from Worcestershire, England. The main ingredients in Worcestershire sauce are vinegar, soy sauce, anchovies, sugar, onion, garlic, and spices.

It has a tangy, savory flavor that goes well with many dishes.

Worcestershire sauce is commonly used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in many recipes. It’s also a popular addition to Bloody Marys and Caesar salads.

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What Does Worcestershire Sauce Taste Like?

Worcestershire sauce has a savory, tangy flavor with hints of sweet, sour, and spicy. The main ingredient, vinegar, gives it a slightly acidic taste.

Soy sauce, anchovies, and garlic add umami flavor, while the sugar balances out the other ingredients.

Is Worcestershire sauce umami?

Yes, the best flavor description of Worcestershire sauce is umami. Umami is the fifth taste, in addition to sweet, sour, salty and bitter.

It’s a savory flavor that’s naturally found in some foods such as Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. Umami is a Japanese term but it describes the taste of Worcestershire perfectly.

What does Worcestershire sauce look like?

Worcestershire sauce is a dark brown liquid with a pungent aroma and flavor.

The texture is slightly viscous, but still pretty runny. Compared to soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce is thicker, sweeter and more intense in flavor.

The color can range from a light brown to almost black in some cases, depending on the brand and type of Worcestershire sauce.

It is usually packaged in glass bottles or larger plastic jugs.

Is Worcestershire sauce a condiment?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce is a condiment. It is a brown liquid made with a blend of ingredients that includes vinegar, molasses, tamarind, anchovies, onion, garlic and other spices.

This sauce is considered a condiment because it is meant to be added to a dish before or after it has been cooked.

This enhances the flavor of the food and adds an extra layer of complexity that’s hard to replicate.

Worcestershire sauce is a condiment that has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple in most kitchen pantries.

Is Worcestershire sauce fermented?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce is fermented. It is made with anchovies that are salt-cured and then aged in wooden barrels for up to 18 months.

This fermentation process creates the unique flavor and aroma that Worcestershire sauce is known for.

Not all Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies or other fermented fish though.

Many brands offer vegan or vegetarian versions of Worcestershire sauce without any animal products. So, not all Worcestershire sauce is fermented.

What was Worcestershire sauce made for?

Worcestershire sauce was original developed by Lea & Perrins in Worcester, England as a way to preserve meats and enhance the flavor of food.

More exactly, it was created as a seasoning that complements meaty dishes and adds tangy notes to a dish called Welsh rarebit.

But Lea & Perrins’ first attempt at this concoction was deemed too strong and the recipe was set aside.

After two years of aging, however, the sauce had changed into a much more palatable flavor that soon became popular in England.

What does Worcestershire sauce do to meat?

Worcestershire sauce is often used as a marinade for steak, chicken, and fish. The acidity in the sauce helps to tenderize the meat, while the other flavors add depth of flavor.

Worcestershire sauce can also be used as a seasoning for grilled or roasted meats.

Is Worcestershire sauce a tenderizer?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce contains vinegar which is known to be an effective tenderizer.

The acidic content in Worcestershire sauce helps break down proteins, which makes the meat tender and juicy.

Worcestershire sauce can be added to marinades or used directly on meats for extra flavor and to tenderize.

Is Worcestershire sauce for dipping?

Worcestershire sauce can be used for dipping, but it’s most commonly used as a condiment for adding flavor to food.

The savory and slightly sweet taste of Worcestershire sauce works well when added to a variety of dishes and can be used as a marinade, dressing or topping.

However, some people do enjoy dipping foods into Worcestershire sauce.

This is particularly true for fried, crunchy snacks like french fries, spring rolls, or onion rings. Even sushi can be dipped in Worcestershire sauce for a unique flavor.

How did Worcestershire sauce become so popular in Japan?

Although Worcestershire sauce is not originally from Japan, it has become very popular there. One of the main reasons for its popularity is that it goes well with sushi and sashimi.

The umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce enhances the taste of fish and rice.

Another reason Worcestershire sauce is popular in Japan is that it’s a relatively low-cost condiment.

In a country where soy sauce and other condiments can be expensive, Worcestershire sauce is a budget-friendly option.

What’s the difference between Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce?

Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are both made with fermented soybeans, but there are some key differences between the two sauces.

Worcestershire sauce is also made with vinegar, anchovies, sugar, and spices. This gives it a more complex flavor than soy sauce.

Soy sauce is also saltier than Worcestershire sauce.

This is because soy sauce is made with 100% soybeans, while Worcestershire sauce only contains around 50% soybeans.

What’s the difference between Worcestershire sauce and HP sauce?

HP sauce is a similar condiment to Worcestershire sauce, but it originates from the Midlands in England.

The main difference between HP sauce and Worcestershire sauce is the addition of malt vinegar and tomato purée. This gives HP sauce a sweeter, more ketchup-like flavor.

What is the difference between Worcestershire and steak sauce?

Worcestershire sauce and steak sauce are both condiments, but they have some distinct differences.

Worcestershire sauce is made with a blend of ingredients that includes vinegar, molasses, tamarind and anchovies. It has a savory, slightly sweet taste with a hint of spiciness.

Steak sauce, on the other hand, is usually made with tomatoes, onions and spices. It has a bold and robust flavor with a hint of sweetness.

What does “Worcestershire” mean?

The word “Worcestershire” comes from the county of Worcestershire in England. The sauce was created by two chemists from Worcester in 1837. The name “Worcestershire” Sauce was trademarked in 1876.

How did Worcestershire sauce get its name?

The name “Worcestershire” came from the city in which it was created, Worcester, England.

The sauce got its name by taking the first two letters of Worcester and then adding “shire,” which is an old English term for county.

Thus, Worcestershire became a term that referred to the county in England where the sauce was created.

How do you pronounce Worcestershire sauce?

The correct pronunciation of Worcestershire sauce is “woo-ster-sheer”. The word “Worcestershire” is often mispronounced as “worchester” or “wooster”.

How was Worcestershire sauce discovered?

The origin of Worcestershire sauce is very much British and it is believed to have been created by two chemists in the city of Worcester, England in 1837.

Lea & Perrins developed the unique blend of ingredients that has become a staple in many kitchens around the world.

The chemists experimented with a variety of ingredients and eventually came up with the perfect combination that would become the Worcestershire sauce we know today.

The recipe is still a closely guarded secret and is believed to be the same one used to create the original sauce.

How long is Worcestershire sauce aged?

The fermentation process of Worcestershire sauce can take up to 18 months.

The anchovies used in Worcestershire sauce are salt-cured and then aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of 18 months.

It can take as long as 24 months, depending on the brand and type of Worcestershire sauce.

Aging the anchovies helps to give Worcestershire sauce its unique flavor and aroma. The longer it is aged, the richer and more intense the flavor will become.

Are Worcester and Worcestershire sauce the same?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Worcester sauce due to the similarity in name.

However, people are thinking about this brown savory sauce known as Worcestershire sauce and they use Worcester as a short version of that name.

However, Worcester and Worcestershire are not interchangeable terms as they refer to two different things.

Worcester is the city in England where Worcestershire sauce was created.

In contrast, Worcestershire sauce is a type of condiment that is made with a special blend of ingredients in the city of Worcester.

How long does Worcestershire sauce last in the fridge?

Worcestershire sauce will last indefinitely in the pantry, but it will only last for about 6 months after opening if stored in the fridge.

Once opened, it is best to use Worcestershire sauce within 2 months.

Popular dishes that use Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a versatile condiment used in many different dishes. Here are some popular Asian recipes that use Worcestershire sauce:

• Soy-Glazed Salmon – This healthy, flavorful salmon dish is made with a Worcestershire sauce glaze.
• Honey-Garlic Shrimp – Shrimp are stir-fried in a honey-garlic sauce that contains Worcestershire sauce.
• Beef and Broccoli – This classic Chinese dish is made with a beef and broccoli stir-fry that includes Worcestershire sauce.

What country uses the most Worcestershire sauce?

Although it would seem the UK is the top user of Worcestershire sauce, research shows it is actually the United States.

Americans consume more than 4 million gallons of Worcestershire sauce every year, followed closely by the UK.

Worcestershire sauce is also popular in Australia, Canada and many European countries.

But Japan is by far the biggest consumer of Worcestershire sauce in Asia because the sauce is used as a soy sauce and tamari substitute.

Worcestershire sauce ingredients

The main ingredient in Worcestershire sauce is vinegar. Other ingredients include soy sauce, anchovies, sugar, garlic, salt, and spices.

Health benefits of Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a low-calorie condiment that contains no fat or cholesterol. It is also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Does Worcestershire sauce have probiotics?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce does contain probiotics thanks to its fermentation process.

The fermentation of the anchovies gives Worcestershire sauce the unique flavor and aroma that it is known for, but it also adds beneficial bacteria to the sauce.

These probiotics are known as lactic acid bacteria, which are beneficial for digestion and gut health.

So, not only does Worcestershire sauce enhance the flavor of your food, but it promotes a healthy gut.

Why is Worcestershire sauce wrapped in paper?

There is a historical significance to why Worcestershire sauce is wrapped in paper. Originally, the sauce was sealed and stored in wooden barrels which would eventually start to leak.

To save the bottles from breaking while traveling by sea, the sauce was bottled and wrapped in paper. The paper kept the sauce safe during its travels and it eventually became the signature packaging for Worcestershire sauce.

After arriving in New York in 1839, Worcestershire sauce is recognized as the first commercially packaged condiment to be introduced to America.

To this day the Lea & Perrins original Worcestershire sauce is wrapped in paper but not for a practical reason – it’s now a part of the brand’s heritage.

What aisle would Worcestershire sauce be in?

Worcestershire sauce is typically found on the condiment aisle of most grocery stores. It can sometimes be located in the international foods section as well.

The condiment aisle is also where you will find other sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and more.

What’s the closest thing to Worcestershire sauce?

If you’re looking for a combination of ingredients that tastes almost like Worcestershire sauce is a mixture of white wine vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce!

This mixture of pantry ingredients tastes strangely similar to the original.

But fish sauce is often touted as the next closest thing to Worcestershire sauce.

This condiment is made with fermented anchovies and has a distinct savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.

It is often used as an ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes and can be found in the international aisles of the supermarket.

Conclusion

So you see, Worcestershire sauce can be used in so many ways and it adds a unique flavor to your dishes that no other sauce could.

It has a savory “umami” flavor which tastes great when paired with meaty dishes, steak, stir-fries, salads, sauces, dips, and more!

Read next: What is ponzu sauce? Your guide on this citrusy Japanese deliciousness

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.