vegan worchestire sauce recipe Vegan Worcestershire Sauce Recipe Easy and Delicious

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Worcestershire sauce is a kitchen staple beloved for its complex, umami-rich flavor that can elevate everything from marinades and dressings to soups and stews. However, the traditional version contains anchovies, making it a no-go for vegans and vegetarians.

But fret not! You don’t have to miss out on this tangy, savory condiment anymore.

Creating your own vegan Worcestershire sauce at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. This homemade recipe uses wholesome plant-based ingredients that deliver that classic depth of flavor without any animal products.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed, step-by-step recipe for making your own vegan Worcestershire sauce. Whether you want to add it to your favorite Tex Mex dishes or craft a rich marinade for grilled vegetables, this sauce will become your new go-to.

Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas so you can customize it to your taste. Ready to add some zing to your pantry?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Worcestershire sauce recipe ticks all the boxes for plant-based cooking enthusiasts and flavor seekers alike. First, it’s made with simple, natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

No weird additives or preservatives here!

Next, it captures the essence of traditional Worcestershire sauce with its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. The combination of tamarind paste, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and a blend of spices creates a rich umami flavor that is both bold and nuanced.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile.

Use it as a marinade for tofu or tempeh, stir it into sauces or dressings, or add a splash to your favorite vegan Alfredo pasta for an unexpected twist. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and enjoy it for weeks.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Tamarind paste 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup
Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for soy-free) 1/4 cup
Molasses 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Water 1/4 cup
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Mustard powder 1/4 teaspoon
Cloves (ground) 1/8 teaspoon

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)
  • Glass jar or bottle with lid for storage
  • Funnel (optional, for easy bottling)

Instructions

  1. Combine the liquids: In a small saucepan, add the tamarind paste, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), molasses, maple syrup, and water. Whisk thoroughly until the tamarind paste is fully dissolved and the liquids are well combined.
  2. Add the spices: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, mustard powder, and ground cloves. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the liquid base.
  3. Simmer the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld and develop their full intensity.
  4. Cool and strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or directly into your storage container. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer no sediment.
  5. Store your sauce: Transfer the finished vegan Worcestershire sauce into a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
  6. Shake before use: Since this is a homemade, natural sauce, ingredients may settle at the bottom. Give the bottle a good shake before each use to mix the flavors back together.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: Using tamarind paste is key to replicating the signature tang of Worcestershire sauce. If you can’t find it, substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or pomegranate molasses, but note the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Feel free to experiment with the spice blend to suit your palate. For a smoky hint, add a pinch of smoked paprika.

If you prefer a bit more heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes works wonders.

For a soy-free version, swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos. This keeps the sauce gluten-free and suitable for those with soy allergies.

If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. Conversely, you can thin it with a splash of water or vinegar if it’s too strong.

Looking for more homemade vegan sauces? Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a comforting white sauce to complement your meals.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1 tbsp
Calories 15
Carbohydrates 4 g
Sugars 3 g
Protein 0.5 g
Fat 0 g
Sodium 350 mg
Fiber 0.2 g

This homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce is low in calories and fat, with a moderate sodium content, so use according to your dietary needs. The natural sugars come from molasses and maple syrup, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the tang and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes to enhance flavor:

  • Marinades: Use it as a tangy base for marinating tofu, tempeh, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
  • Dressings and dips: Add a splash to your favorite vegan salad dressings or dips for an umami boost.
  • Soups and stews: Stir some into vegetable soups or hearty stews, like those found in our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
  • Sandwich spreads: Mix a bit into vegan mayo or mustard for a flavorful sandwich spread.
  • Condiment: Use it as a condiment alongside vegan burgers, fries, or roasted potatoes.

For a creative idea, try incorporating this sauce in your next batch of homemade seitan or veggie meatballs to deepen the savory taste. If you love baking, you might enjoy pairing it with recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet and savory contrast afterward!

Conclusion

Making your own vegan Worcestershire sauce is not only satisfying but also a fantastic way to ensure your condiments align with your plant-based lifestyle. This recipe delivers an authentic flavor profile that will have you reaching for it time and again to enhance your culinary creations.

With accessible ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy the rich, tangy, and savory notes that define classic Worcestershire sauce—without any animal products. Plus, it stores well, making it a practical addition to your fridge.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based options, this sauce is a versatile kitchen hero. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals perfectly.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

Description: A tangy and savory vegan Worcestershire sauce perfect for marinades and dressings. Made without anchovies, it's rich in umami flavor from tamarind and molasses.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup tamarind paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids.
  6. Transfer to a clean bottle and refrigerate.

Nutrition: Calories: 35 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 8g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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