Not A1 Or Worcestershire — Add This Old-School Bottled Sauce When Marinating Steak For A Burst Of Tangy Flavor

There are a few iconic sauces we think of when we marinating steak: the iconic A1 Steak Sauce might be the first, and that savory tang from Worcestershire isn't far behind. But what if we told you that you've been overlooking a classic, age-old sauce that's actually the perfect steak marinade? It's 57 Sauce from Heinz, and it's worth trying if you're looking for the best balance of acidity, richness, and bold flavor that can stand up to just about any cut of steak.

The sauce is made from a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, giving it a tang that can't be easily duplicated. Heinz has always remained pretty mum on what the exact spice blend and ratios are, but we do know that it's made with mustard flour and turmeric. While the sauce isn't spicy, it's certainly savory; drizzle it atop raw steak and use a brush to fully coat it on all sides then, cover the steak and marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. The actual time depends on how thick the steak cut is, as thicker cuts usually can marinate for longer,  and how tough the steak is. The acidity helps break down the protein, tenderizing the meat and adding flavor while giving it better texture.

Heinz 57 Sauce isn't new; it was actually introduced more than 100 years ago as Heinz Beefsteak sauce — back in 1911 — and a bottle cost only a quarter. And no, it doesn't actually have 57 different flavors, unfortunately. But over the years, other steak marinades and steak sauces become popular pairings, giving 57 Sauce increasing competition. Still, consumers who use the sauce swear by it. When one Reddit user posted in r/condiments that it wasn't as good as they expected, comments defended the sauce for its unique flavor profile. "You must have something seriously wrong with your taste buds," one user joked. Other people credited the sauce as their favorite, not only on steak but also on potatoes and chicken.

If you're short on time, you can also skip the marinade and just use 57 Sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over top of the sliced steak. Some consumers also suggest combining it with ketchup or barbecue sauce. It has a different flavor profile than most steak marinades we know, so use it to jazz up weeknight dinner this week.