It’s hard to pronounce, tough to describe, and even harder to find without animal products. Worcestershire sauce is a flavor enhancer that instantly boosts a wide range of dishes, but is still largely misunderstood.

Making a splash on the culinary scene in the mid-1800’s, this mysterious fermented condiment was invented in Worcestershire, England and debuted by the Lea & Perrins company. Still the leading brand on the market, few worthy competitors have stepped up to the plate. This leaves a gaping hole in the grocery aisle, especially for vegans and those with food sensitivities. That’s because the original formula uses anchovies as the not-so-secret ingredient. While plant-based alternatives do exist, they can still be elusive in mainstream markets.

It’s time we take Worcestershire back. For that distinctive, addictive umami flavor, nothing compares to the power of dried Sugimoto shiitake powder. Despite its earthy origin, this potent food booster doesn’t taste like mushrooms, so you don’t need to worry about your sauce tasting off-key. Enhancing the natural flavors already present rather than adding its own distinctive essence, it’s like magical fairy dust that you really should be using in all of your favorite recipes.

The full power of that umami dynamo is unlocked over time, which makes it especially well-suited for this sauce. Aged and lightly fermented, the savory qualities become even more robust over the course of a few weeks. Though you could very happily enjoy this sauce after just a day or two, your patience will be rewarded in a world of rich umami later on.

How can you you use your homemade awesome sauce? Some of the most classic examples include:

• Caesar salad dressing
• Bloody Mary
• Hamburgers
• Meatloaf
• Stew or soup base
• Marinades

Commercial Worcestershire sauce tends to be much sweeter and more flat, whereas this homemade version is carefully balanced, tangy and tart, punchy and deeply nuanced. Once you give it a try, you’ll never want to go without it again. Luckily, it keeps almost indefinitely in the fridge, stored in an airtight glass bottle. Double or triple the recipe to stay stocked up at all times.

With the right pantry staples on hand, it’s easier, cheaper, and tastier to just do it yourself.

Yield: Makes About 3 Cups

Homemade Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

This homemade Worcestershire Sauce is a way better the commercially prepared version, with a flavor that's well-rounded, not too sweet, and full of umami.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 7 days

Total Time 7 days 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Shallots or Small Yellow Onions, Diced
• 1-Inch Fresh Ginger, Peeled and Minced
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Cups Malt Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar, Divided
• 3/4 Cup Date Molasses*
• 1/4 Cup Tamarind Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 2 Teaspoons Sugimoto Dried Shiitake Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cardamom

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the shallots or onions, ginger, garlic, and 1 cup of vinegar. Set over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes until the aromatics are softened and translucent.
2. Transfer the mixture to your blend along with all the remaining ingredients. Puree on high speed for about 2 minutes, making sure it's completely smooth. Pass through a fine mesh sieve if your blender isn't quite powerful enough to take out all the tiny pieces.
3. Return the sauce to your saucepan and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes. It should be slightly thickened and darkened. Let cool before pouring into glass bottles.
4. Let the sauce stand, covered, at room temperature for at least a week to ferment. It will remain shelf-stable in the pantry for 1 - 2 months, or store it in the fridge to keep it for up to 6 months.

Notes

*If you can't find date molasses, you can use an equal amount of dark brown sugar, firmly packed, or 1/2 cup of standard molasses.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

48

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.

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