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Worcestershire sauce traditionally contains anchovies or fish sauce, which makes it a no-go for vegans. However, you can easily whip up homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce!
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
I use Worcestershire sauce a lot in my recipes - from Vegan Wellington to this reader-favorite Whole Roasted Cauliflower. It adds a lovely, rich flavor to dishes. Worcestershire sauce is awesome when added to gravy or lentils to achieve a meaty flavor. I am lucky enough to have access to vegan Worcestershire sauce at my local grocery store (Kroger) and many of you have been able to find Annie's Worcestershire sauce which is also fish-free.
However, a lot of you haven't stumbled upon any yet! I heard you, I feel for you, and I've created a solution - HOMEMADE Worcestershire sauce!
How to Make Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
The flavor of Worcestershire sauce mainly consists of acidic and salty notes. To achieve this, we are using apple cider vinegar. You can also use white distilled vinegar, but I prefer ACV. For saltiness, soy sauce saves the day. It also gives it that flavor we need. If you are soy-free, you can try substituting coconut aminos - just note that I haven't personally made it with that ingredient so I can't promise delicious results.
Of course, we need more flavor notes to perfect Worcestershire sauce - enter allspice, garlic, onion, mustard, and pepper. Simple, accessible ingredients!
Now you can make all of the Swedish meatballs your heart desires.
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pot, and cover. Turn the heat on low. Heat until it's just barely brought to a simmer.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1-2 months. Use your best judgment.
Betsy says
Thank you for the recipe. I don’t eat refined sugar. What would be the best substitute for the brown sugar? Maple syrup, coconut nectar, and munk fruit are Ok for me.
David Besaw says
I haven't tried coconut nectar or munk fruit, but have substituted maple syrup in many recipes that would be my recommendation!
Lanie says
Can you can this for longer storage in half pint jars for longer storage?
سس ورچستر says
thanks Karissa
does it have anchovies?
Karissa says
This recipe does not contain anchovies.
Kae says
It’s a vegan recipe ..
Jay says
This sounds lovely, thank you for sharing. I wanted to print the recipe, but it keeps on reopening the same recipe page when I press the print option.
I'm not having the same problem with other recipes. Could you plse check your print link.
Karissa says
Hi Jay, I'm sorry, I'm not sure what the issue as it's working properly for me. Try pasting this link right into your browser: https://www.karissasvegankitchen.com/wprm_print/9462
Or try clearing your browser's cookies.
Megan Johnson says
If you're struggling to find a vegan-friendly Worcester sauce you may have more luck trying to find Henderson's Relish - it has similar flavours to Worcester sauce but is slightly different.
This recipe looks great if you're unable to find any ready made solutions where you are!
Mary B says
Very correct like smell and taste of traditional Worcester sauce. Happy t have found this to make my family famous meow mix!
Frances Garner says
I'm making this for the third time. It is a great replacement for Worchestershire. I do keep it for much longer than is stated in the recipe and have never had an issue.
Thanks for a wonderful vegan recipe of "the things I used to eat"
SGM says
You get some strange comments/questions. Soy sauce has anchovies? How long to simmer? What color is purple?
I'm going to try this...that k you for posting it.
Karissa says
Thanks for noticing
Tab says
Soy sauce contains anchovies. I thought this was vegan?
Karissa says
Soy sauce does not contain anchovies.
Tickers says
Quick easy and very tasty thank you!!!
Dana says
Maybe this is a dumb question, do you think it would change anything or screw anything up if my brown sugar is really dried out and is basically the texture of regular sugar?
Karissa says
That will be fine for this recipe.
Kei says
Hi,
I would like to try this recipe. 2 Questions. Can you tell me - What is the approximate time that it takes to 'heat until it's just barely brought to a simmer'? I want to have an idea of what I am aiming for.
And what do you mean barely brought to a simmer? Like when it stops that slow simmering/light boiling?
Thank you!
Karissa says
I apologize for the lack of clarity. As soon as it comes to a simmer, remove it from the heat.
Kei says
Thank you. How long does that approximately take?
Karissa says
About 5 mins.