Out of Soy sauce, one case
Worcestershire sauce soy sauce substitute
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp for every 1 tbsp of soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce can work as a soy sauce substitute at about 2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon of water per tablespoon of soy sauce, with a pinch of salt, but it has a different flavor profile with anchovies and tamarind. It works best for marinades, meat dishes, and Western-style cooking, but may not be suitable for all Asian recipes.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- meat marinades
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worcestershire saucemeat marinades | 2 tspYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Worcestershire sauce + waterwhen you need milder flavor | 2 tsp Worcestershire + 1 tsp waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Worcestershire sauce + sugarmarinades | 2 tsp Worcestershire + up to ½ tsp sugarYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Worcestershire sauce + soy saucefusion dishes | 2 tsp Worcestershire + 1 tsp soy sauceYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Worcestershire sauce
different taste, similar texture
Worcestershire sauce provides complex umami flavor similar to soy sauce but has a different taste profile with anchovies, tamarind, and spices. It works well for marinades and meat dishes but may not be suitable for all Asian recipes.
- Best for
- meat marinades, sauces, gravies, stir-fries, Western-style cooking
Complex flavor with anchovies, tamarind, and spices, not suitable for vegetarians. Tangier and more spiced than soy sauce but much less salty, so use about two thirds of the amount and add a pinch of salt to taste.
Worcestershire sauce + water
different taste, similar texture
Adding water to Worcestershire sauce dilutes the strong flavor and makes it more subtle, closer to the taste of soy sauce. This works well when you need a milder flavor profile.
- Best for
- when you need milder flavor, sauces, dressings
Dilutes the strong flavor for more subtle taste.
Worcestershire sauce + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Adding a little sugar to Worcestershire sauce softens its tang. Soy sauce is not sweet and Worcestershire already contains sugar, so keep this to marinades and glazes that are meant to be sweet.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, sweet and savory dishes
Adds sweetness to balance the tangy flavor.
Worcestershire sauce + soy sauce
different taste, similar texture
Topping up the last of the soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce stretches what you have and keeps some real soy flavor. This works well for fusion dishes and complex marinades.
- Best for
- fusion dishes, complex marinades, sauces
Only useful when you are short of soy sauce, not out of it.
Tips for substituting soy sauce
7 tips- Worcestershire sauce works best for marinades and meat dishes
- It's not suitable for vegetarians due to the anchovies
- Worcestershire sauce has a different flavor profile than soy sauce
- Use it sparingly as it has a strong, complex flavor
- Store Worcestershire sauce in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- It works well in Western-style cooking and fusion dishes
- Worcestershire sauce can be used in stir-fries but may alter the flavor
Questions
8 questionsCan I use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce?
Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute for soy sauce in some recipes, particularly for marinades and meat dishes. However, it has a different flavor profile with anchovies and tamarind, so it may not be suitable for all Asian dishes.
What's the difference between Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is made from anchovies, tamarind, and spices, while soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat. Worcestershire sauce has a more complex, tangy flavor, while soy sauce is more salty and umami.
Is Worcestershire sauce suitable for vegetarians?
No, traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies and is not suitable for vegetarians. However, there are vegetarian Worcestershire sauce alternatives available that can work as substitutes.
What recipes work best with Worcestershire sauce as a substitute?
Worcestershire sauce works best as a substitute in marinades, meat dishes, sauces, and gravies. It's also good for Western-style stir-fries and fusion dishes, but may not be suitable for authentic Asian recipes.
How much Worcestershire sauce should I use as a substitute?
Use about 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce plus 1 teaspoon of water for each tablespoon of soy sauce, then taste. It is tangier and more strongly spiced than soy sauce but much less salty, so the dish may need a pinch of salt.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce in Asian cooking?
Worcestershire sauce can be used in some Asian-inspired dishes, particularly fusion recipes. However, it will alter the flavor profile and may not be suitable for authentic Asian cooking.
Is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free?
Some Worcestershire sauce brands are gluten-free, but not all. Always check the label to ensure the brand you're using is certified gluten-free, as some contain malt vinegar or other gluten-containing ingredients.
How do I store Worcestershire sauce?
Store Worcestershire sauce in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It doesn't need refrigeration but should be kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.