If you find yourself without soy sauce and in need of a quick substitute, Worcestershire sauce can provide the same umami flavor when used in a one-to-one ratio.

While both sauces are fermented and have relatively salty profiles, Worcestershire sauce contains extra ingredients, like anchovies, that can add unique flavor notes.

Soy sauce typically consists of soybean paste, wheat, salt, water, and yeast, whereas Worcestershire sauce is a blend of vinegar, garlic, onion, molasses, anchovies, and tamarind.

However, since Worcestershire sauce already has a vinegar base, exercise caution while adding additional vinegar in recipes that call for both soy sauce and vinegar.

Note that traditional Worcestershire sauce isn’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Other alternatives include fish sauce, tamari, liquid aminos, miso, and Maggi seasoning.