Why do English recipes of “sauce marchand de vin” call for Worcestershire sauce?

Why do English recipes of “sauce marchand de vin” call for Worcestershire sauce? - Appetizing burger with meat patty ketchup and cheese placed on wooden table with crispy french fries against black background

The “sauce marchand de vin” is a French red wine thick sauce typically served with meat. Its recipe in my French cookbooks call for two main ingredients: red wine and brown stock. It also uses shallots, butter, flour and black pepper, but I understand the two ingredients cited previously are the main ones.

However, many recipes I can find online (here and there, for example) on English-speaking websites add Worcestershire sauce. Not all of them do, but I still wonder: what purpose does this extra Worcestershire sauce add? I'm not too familiar with it, but if I understand it might bring some spiciness (already somewhat covered by black pepper).

So, what do you think it brings to the recipe and overall taste?



Best Answer

Worcestershire Sauce is added where the recipe wants a fast way to develop or add savoury richness, umami.

It's often used where umami would develop over time with slow careful cooking (and heavy bottomed pans). Adding this extra ingredient is a good cheat where you just want that kick without the wait.




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Is Worcestershire sauce and A1 the same?

Is Worcestershire sauce the same as A1 sauce? No, they are entirely different products with different formulations. Both can be used as a condiment with meats or added with other ingredients to make a marinade.

What does Worcestershire sauce do to meat?

As it turns out, Worcestershire sauce already contains many of the components of a good marinade! It has vinegar to tenderize the meat, sugar for sweetness and shine, and savory flavors like onion, garlic, tamarind, and anchovies.

Is Worcestershire sauce the same as fish sauce?

Worcestershire sauce Made of anchovies, molasses, tamarind, vinegar, cloves, onion, and other seasonings, it's a delicious alternative to fish sauce. Since both sauces are made using anchovies and fermented for up to 18 months, they have a similar umami flavor.

What is the main ingredient of Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment made from a base of vinegar and flavored with anchovies, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. The flavor is savory and sweet with a distinct tang provided by the vinegar.



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