Is Worcestershire Sauce Vegan? Depends on One Thing

It's a classic condiment known and loved for its deep umami flavor, but is Worcestershire sauce vegan? It usually depends on one ingredient.

Since its inception in 1837, Worcestershire sauce has proven to be a beloved condiment, and a tricky one to pronounce! Commonly used in bloody mary cocktails, bolognese pasta sauce, and Caesar salad, the fermented notes in the dark, viscous liquid pack a punch. Is Worcestershire sauce vegan? Typically not, because it often includes anchovies and/or fish sauce, like the well-known version from Lea & Perrins, touted as the original producer of the sauce.

Tip: Plant-based minced meat is easy to make for a homemade vegan bolognese.

Vegan Worcestershire Sauce Options

Like many non-vegan pantry staples, more and more vegan options are becoming available all the time.

Annie’s Organic makes a Vegan Worcestershire sauce that can be found on annies.com and Amazon** , where even an organic gluten-free Worcestershire sauce by The Wizard’s Sauces is also available.

Vegan Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes

When replacing anchovies or fish sauce in any recipe, the key flavor one must look for is umami, the deep savory taste that is found in fishy, fermented foods like Worcestershire sauce. Here are some ingredients that make a great substitute when in a pinch, plus the benefit of being vegan-friendly.

• Soy sauce is a great substitute for its fermented and deep flavor. One should just be careful of the sodium level in the dish! 
• Coconut aminos are less salty than soy sauce, so replacing Worcestershire sauce 1:1 with this could be more straightforward.
• Miso paste is a great source of umami flavor. If retaining the probiotic qualities of this fermented paste is desired, add at the end of cooking so the good bacteria does not get cooked out.
• Capers are often even included in anchovy tins, they resemble the briny flavor of anchovies and are an excellent substitute. 

Recipe for Making Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

Here is just one example of how to use plant-based ingredients to make a vegan Worcestershire sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar (480 ml)
• ½ cup soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos (125 ml)
• 2 tbsp molasses 
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tbsp tsp chopped capers
• 1 tsp tamarind paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and whisk until well combined.
2. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until the liquid is reduced by half (about 15 to 20 minutes).
3. Strain the sauce and let it cool before using. 
4. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Read on: 

• Is Hoisin Sauce Vegan? Facts & A Vegan Recipe
• Vegan Fish Sauce: The No-Fish Sauce You Can Make at Home
• Is Sriracha Vegan? It’s Complicated.

Tags: Food Guide recipe Vegan