Ever reach for the Worcestershire sauce only to find the bottle is empty? Don’t panic — that tangy, savory kick is easier to replicate than you think. Whether you’re cooking a stew, grilling steak or mixing a bloody mary, these substitutes and DIY blends will save the day without a store run.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Worcestershire sauce alternatives, why they work and how to adjust them to suit your dish. Whether you need a quick fix or want to make your own version from scratch, these swaps have you covered. Get ready to unlock flavor secrets that might just become your new go-to favorites.
Why you need Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce serves several purposes in cooking. Here are some reasons why you need it:
- Worcestershire sauce is used as a condiment on burgers, shellfish and other dishes. It’s also one of the main ingredients in cocktail sauce.
- It is often used in marinades for meat, fish or poultry.
- Worcestershire sauce is often used as a seasoning for soups, stews and salads because it adds umami flavor.
- It is used in broths and stocks to add flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce is in some cocktails like the bloody mary.
Common Worcestershire sauce substitutes
No Worcestershire sauce? No problem. You’ve got options — soy sauce, balsamic vinegar or even a quick mix of the two can work. Do you have fish sauce, tamarind paste or oyster sauce? Those can save the day too. Here’s a closer look at some of the easiest swaps and how to use them.
Red wine vinegar and tamarind paste
Combine equal parts of red wine vinegar and tamarind paste until they are well mixed. When using this mixture as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, use half of what the recipe calls for. This combination is tarter, tangier and sweeter than Worcestershire sauce and works well in marinades, salad dressings and sauces.
Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar has acidity, tanginess, sweetness and tartness similar to Worcestershire sauce. Mix it with equal parts of tamarind paste if you want a thicker texture. It is best for salad dressings and marinades. Use as a 1-for-1 replacement for Worcestershire sauce.
Sherry vinegar
Sherry vinegar is lighter in color and not as spicy but it has a flavor similar to Worcestershire sauce. It works well in marinades, dressings and sauces and can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Soy sauce and ketchup
Soy sauce and ketchup has a sweet, sour and salty flavor that mimics Worcestershire. It is best for dishes that will be cooked like burgers, stews and meatloaf. Combine equal parts soy sauce and ketchup and use as a 1-for-1 replacement.
“Worcestershire is a staple in my home. I typically buy it in Costco-sized bottles, but when I do run out, I use a combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and a little bit of hot sauce. It gives you that spicy, sweet, salty combo that makes Worcestershire so good. It works great in gravies, soups, sauces or anything where the Worcestershire is an underlying flavor component.”
— Renee N Gardner, Renee Nicole’s Kitchen
Soy sauce and brown sugar
Soy sauce has the salty tang of Worcestershire and brown sugar gives it a sweet, rich flavor. It works great for pork, beef, chicken and pasta. Use half the soy sauce the recipe calls for and a pinch of brown sugar. This combination can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Soy sauce, hoisin sauce and apple cider vinegar
A mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce and apple cider vinegar has an umami flavor with sweet and savory depth and a bit of acidity. It works best for stir-fries, marinades and dipping sauces. Combine equal parts soy sauce and hoisin sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar as a 1-for-1 replacement for Worcestershire. For a sweeter taste, add more hoisin. If you prefer a saltier flavor, add more soy sauce.
Soy sauce and apple juice
Soy sauce and apple juice will be milder and sweeter than Worcestershire so adjust other seasonings in your dish if necessary. This combination works well in marinades, stir-fries, sauces and dressings. Stir together equal parts soy sauce and apple juice and use as a 1-for-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
“I’ve used a mix of soy sauce, vinegar and a pinch of sugar as a Worcestershire sauce substitute, especially for steak marinades. I didn’t have any Worcestershire on hand, so I improvised with those pantry staples, and it turned out great! While the flavor wasn’t as deep or tangy, it still added a nice savory richness, and my family didn’t even notice the difference.”
— Kristin King, Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Coconut aminos
Coconut aminos are made from aged coconut sap and sea salt and have a flavor profile similar to Worcestershire. They work great for marinades, sauces and bloody marys. Coconut aminos are naturally gluten free and vegetarian. They can be used as a 1-for-1 replacement for Worcestershire sauce.
Fish sauce
Fish sauce is salty and savory and has a distinct fishy taste but can work as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce. It works well in meatloaf, soups and chilis. It can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
Fish sauce, lemon juice and cranberry juice
A mixture of fish sauce, lemon juice and cranberry juice is a salty, sweet, savory and tangy combination. Stir together an equal amount of each and use it as a 1-for-1 replacement for Worcestershire.
Fish sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar
A combination of fish sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar also works as a substitute. Mix fish sauce and soy sauce with a large pinch of brown sugar. This only works in dishes that will be cooked so the brown sugar can dissolve fully and you aren’t left with a gritty texture. It works as a 1-for-1 substitute for Worcestershire.
Oyster sauce
Oyster sauce has an umami flavor and is made from corn starch, soy sauce and caramelized oyster juice. It can be used as a 1-for-1 replacement for Worcestershire sauce.
Final thoughts
With all these easy swaps, you can keep your dishes tasting amazing without leaving your house. From pantry staples like soy sauce to mixes with tamarind paste, you’ve got plenty of options to keep that savory kick alive. Next time your bottle’s empty, try one of these tricks — you might even find a new favorite.
Heidi is a Certified Elementary School Teacher in the Inland Northwest and has been teaching for 18 years. She is also a vintage recipe blogger at Real Life of Lulu, where she focuses on recipes that are at least 50 years old, many from her grandparents’ kitchens. When she isn’t teaching or baking, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids.