what is worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce, also known as Worcester sauce, is a fermented liquid condiment that adds tang and umami to savory dishes. It is a thin, brown sauce with mustard- and cherry-colored undertones, originating in England as an experiment gone wrong. The sauce is made from a base of vinegar and flavored with ingredients such as anchovies, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. It is commonly used as a condiment on steaks, hamburgers, and other finished dishes, as well as to flavor cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar. Additionally, it is frequently used to augment recipes such as Welsh rarebit, Caesar salad, Oysters Kirkpatrick, and deviled eggs. Worcestershire sauce is also added to dishes that historically did not contain it, such as chili con carne and beef stew, to provide a background flavor and a source of umami.