What You Need to Know about Worcestershire Sauce

When it comes to food condiments, one of the most popular items present in every household kitchen is the Worcestershire sauce. At first look, it resembles soy sauce but is also known for its distinct flavor. Worcestershire sauce is commonly used as a condiment and marinating meat, and even used as an ingredient for bloody mary mix. You can also buy this in every supermarket, grocery, and specialty store near you. 

What is Worcestershire sauce made of? 

As the name suggests, Worcestershire sauce was invented by John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins. Hence, the eponymous condiment that we know of today became possible thanks to these two gentlemen. Worcestershire sauce contains a vinegar base with different flavorings including tamarind, molasses, anchovies, garlic, and onion among a few. 

Worcestershire sauce has a combination of sweet and savory taste with tanginess due to the vinegar. However, most Worcestershire sauce is not vegan and vegetarian-friendly although there are also brands that are gluten-free. Instead of malt vinegar, gluten-free Worcestershire uses distilled white vinegar. Low-sodium and vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce are also available for those on a special diet. 

How to cook dishes using Worcestershire sauce 

You can use Worcestershire sauce in different ways, whether as a cooking ingredient, marinade, or condiment. It can also be used when stir-frying, grilling, or steaming vegetables as well as on sandwiches, seafood, salads, soups, and stews. You can even make your own Worcestershire sauce by following these steps: 

• Heat olive oil and saute onion until it softens. 
• Mix in ginger, garlic, tamarind paste, and jalapenos (optional if you want to add a little heat). Simmer in medium-low heat for 5 minutes. 
• Add other ingredients such as vinegar, orange juice, molasses, black pepper, tomato paste, etc., and bring to a boil. 
• Strain the sauce and transfer them into jars or glass bottles and put them inside the refrigerator. 

Worcestershire sauce can also be stored at room temperature before opening it. But make sure to refrigerate it once you have opened it to ensure its freshness and flavor. 

Other facts about Worcestershire sauce 

Worcestershire sauce might be one of the most mysterious food condiments in the world. It gives flavor to any dish whether for cooking, marinade, dips, roasting, grilling and so on. If you can’t get enough of this versatile condiment, here are other facts you need to know about Worcestershire sauce. 

• Worcestershire sauce is made through the fermentation of ingredients, a major ingredient of which is vinegar. 
• It is said that the Worcestershire sauce was inspired by an Indian condiment, which Lea and Perrins tried to copy and end up being the iconic food condiment that we know of today. 
• Worcestershire sauce is packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, sodium, and vitamin C. 
• The first Worcestershire sauce made by the duo (eponymous to the brand that we know of today) had a very unpleasant taste and smell and was stored in a cellar in the meantime. Years later, they decided to get back on it and taste it. The rest, as they say, is history.
• The ingredients of Worcestershire sauce were first discovered in a trash bin back in 2009. The precious document is currently on display in the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum in the UK. 
• You can buy specialty Worcestershire sauce in a specialty store in Franklin TN and add life and flavor to your ordinary dishes!