Worcestershire sauce is a condiment that is quite versatile and is a key ingredient in many different dishes. Although usually popular in adding flavor to meats, Worcestershire sauce is used in Bloody Mary cocktails and to season snack mixes. This fermented liquid can be found on the shelves at any major supermarket.

The Men Behind Worcestershire Sauce

Lord Sandys, a rich nobleman, returned to England after a stint in India in the 1800s. He asked two Worcester chemists by the names of John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins to develop a sauce that he had enjoyed during his travels. The men created a batch, but didn’t like the taste. In fact, they found it to be downright awful. So, they packed up the jars of the sauce and left it alone for several years. Once they rediscovered the jars, the men opened them up and gave them another taste and found that the sauce was fantastic. The rest, as they say, is history. Thus, the famous brand of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce was born. Today, the condiment is sold by the H.J. Heinz Company, but still carries the famous names of its two inventors.

In 1839, Lea and Perrins’ Worcester Sauce was imported to the US. Within a few years, the condiment was so widespread, that Americans couldn’t get enough of it. Although Lea and Perrins is the most famous brand, other companies have come up with their own versions of Worcestershire sauce. Overall, the ingredients consist of varying amounts of anchovies, tamarinds in molasses, garlic, onions, sugar, and cloves. Tamarind is the most important ingredient, and offers an apricot-like flavor with a bit of spice. It tends to have a sweet and sour taste. Tamarind comes from Africa.

Gaining in Popularity

Worcestershire sauce became popular nearly 200 years ago, but the Roman Empire was long enjoying a similar fermented fish sauce and in the 1600s, Europeans ate their fish with a sauce reminiscent of Worcestershire. Asian cultures embraced Worcestershire sauce once they were introduced to it. The Cantonese use it to flavor spring rolls and meat entrees, while other Asians use it for dipping meats and vegetables.

The sauce can be used in other things as well. The English use Worcestershire sauce to make cheese on toast. It is a key ingredient in stir fry sauces and to marinate meats and fish. Many people like to use it to season their hamburgers and roasts. In addition, Worcestershire sauce is added to Bloody Marys.

How to Use

Planning to throw some chicken or steaks on a grill? Marinate the poultry or beef in Worcestershire sauce. Simply pour the sauce over your meat and let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour. Turn once during marinating. Baste grilled vegetables with a mixture of butter and Worcestershire sauce for delicious flavor. When preparing tacos, add Worcestershire sauce as you brown the ground beef or chicken. Worcestershire sauce also adds a nice taste to chicken wings. Simply baste the wings with the condiment and melted butter and bake in the oven.

Final Thought

Worcester sauce is more than just a condiment to add to your hamburgers. Experiment with various meats from beef to chicken to pork or add it to your oysters for better flavor. You’ll soon see why Worcestershire sauce has been a popular addition to food for the past two centuries.