8 Top Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes You Can Use in a Pinch

Worcestershire… Wuh-ster-sheer… Warsh-uh-sure… It’s a tricky one, right? This dark, umami-rich sauce pairs well with everything from Bloody Marys to grilled steaks. (For the record, it’s pronounced wu-stuh-shur.)

But what do you do when you're out of this distinct, complex ingredient that’s packed with so many different flavors?

We’ve sifted through countless suggestions and selected the top alternatives to help you out. Sometimes, too many choices can be just as overwhelming as none at all.

What Does Worcestershire Sauce Taste Like, and How Can You Use It?

Worcestershire sauce is a versatile condiment that originated in the city of Worcester, located in Worcestershire, England (hence the name). It’s made from a blend of vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, onions, anchovies, garlic, cloves, tamarind paste or extract, chili pepper extract, and various natural flavorings.

This thin, brown sauce is similar in consistency to soy sauce, unlike its thicker English counterparts like HP sauce or the more familiar A1. Traditionally, it’s used with steak, eggs, or even steak AND eggs. Its unique flavor profile — sweet, sour, and funky — enhances dishes like Welsh rarebit, Caesar salads, and deviled eggs. You can also add it to chili, stew, or hamburger patties for an extra kick, and it pairs beautifully with Bloody Marys or meatloaf thanks to its salty, spicy punch.

Think of Worcestershire as your go-to ingredient for adding a bold umami flavor — the savory essence that deepens the taste of your dish. That's how you’ll know exactly how to use it.

Find the recipe: Beef Tips

Top Worcestershire Sauce Alternatives

DIY Worcestershire Sauce

If you're missing the original Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with one other pantry item. However, if you want to truly capture the depth of salty, spicy, and bold flavors, making your own is the best bet. At Dinogo, we’ve got a delicious recipe that uses 9 common kitchen ingredients. Once it's ready, swap it 1:1 for the store-bought version.

Steak Sauce or Brown Sauce

A1 or HP sauce can serve as a substitute for Worcestershire, offering similar flavor profiles, but without the added spice. Both sauces are noticeably thicker than Worcestershire.

Both sauces are solid choices, whether you’re using them as a condiment or in a dish. HP sauce is a bit closer in taste, but hey, English sauce for English dishes makes sense, right? Steak is an obvious match, but it also pairs wonderfully with baked beans or chili.

Soy Sauce

For recipes that require a deep, savory flavor, soy sauce is a fantastic one-ingredient alternative. To add richness, toss in a pinch of brown sugar. Whether you add the sugar or not, swap soy sauce for Worcestershire in equal parts. Try it in dishes like peppered pork, teriyaki, or a quick chicken dinner.

Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos are gaining popularity as a soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternative to soy sauce or tamari. This thin, dark brown sauce resembles soy sauce and, despite its lower sodium content, offers a comparable balance of sweet and savory flavors to Worcestershire. Use it 1:1 in a kabob or fish marinade.

Fish Sauce

It might surprise you, but both Worcestershire and fish sauce are made with fermented anchovies. Fish sauce brings a similar savory richness, though it’s far more pungent. While I wouldn’t recommend using it directly on a burger or steak, it’s perfect for adding depth to a dressing or cooked dishes with beef, pork, or vegetables. Use half the amount of Worcestershire or keep the full amount and add a touch of brown sugar or molasses to balance it out.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is crafted from caramelized oyster juice, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch to thicken it. It’s an excellent way to add umami to sauces. While you can use it in equal parts to Worcestershire, note that it’s thicker in texture.

Balsamic Vinegar

Since vinegar is the main ingredient in Worcestershire sauce, balsamic is a natural alternative. Some people even prefer it in a Bolognese sauce over Worcestershire. Balsamic (or any vinegar) can be used in the same proportions, but keep in mind it won't deliver the exact same flavor.

BBQ Sauce

The most immediate difference with BBQ sauce as a substitute is its thickness. It’s much thicker than Worcestershire, but offers a savory, onion-forward flavor that works well when Worcestershire was intended as a topping or condiment. If you're using it for steak, burgers, or even mixed into patties, meatloaf, or meatballs, BBQ sauce is a solid choice. It’s sweeter than Worcestershire, so use it in equal amounts, but adjust as needed.