Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire Sauce, say it five times! Quick! While it may be a mouthful to say, bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce is a classic condiment that is used in many of the finest steakhouses across the country. You would think that they would make up a catchy name for it, but for some reason, the extra-long name stuck and has been in use ever since. This condiment is also known as Bourbon Balsamic Steak sauce for simplicity’s sake but steak sauce doesn’t have the same ring as Worcestershire sauce. The taste of this is a lovely medley of all three main components. The Worcestershire sauce’s sweet and savory flavor is enhanced by the complex tangy flavor of the balsamic vinegar with everything rounded out and balanced by the vanilla, caramel, and smoky undertones of bourbon. If you’ve never had this sauce on your steak before then you’re missing out on a classic culinary experience.
Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire Sauce Trivia
- Nobody knows who invented bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce, it just became a mainstay in many steakhouses.
- Bourbon is one of the most popular spirits to add to sauces due to its sweet and smoky flavor profile.
- Worcestershire sauce is fermented in barrels, bourbon is aged in barrels, and balsamic is aged in barrels, see a pattern in this sauce?
- Worcestershire sauce is an excellent source of umami, the coveted “5th” flavor that enhances all of the other flavors of the dish.
Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire Sauce Buying Guide
First the good news: Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire sauce is not a widely commercialized condiment so most of the products you’ll see will be small-batch and handmade by artisans.
Now the bad news: Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire sauce is not widely commercialized so it will be really hard to find this condiment if you’re looking for something to jazz up your steak at home.
Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire Sauce Production & Farming in Texas
Texas is blessed to have many local balsamic vinegar producers that are great sources for the balsamic vinegar component to this sauce. On top of that, Texas is also home to some of the best distilleries in the United States that produce some of the best bourbons in the world. As for the Worcestershire sauce component, while not locally produced in Texas, it is still a tried and true ingredient that’s been used in countless barbecue sauce and steak sauce recipes so we can give it a pass for not being produced locally.
Your best bet to find this condiment in Texas is to check out the local balsamic vinegar producers and specialty sauce makers. There’s also a great chance that you can find this sauce in your local farmers’ markets and specialty stores that carry balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and other steak-related ingredients.
Pesticides, Additives, and Chemicals:
Since all of the main components of this condiment are natural preservatives in themselves, you don’t have to worry about added preservatives when you’re out shopping for bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce.
Packaging:
Bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce is packaged in small 9oz-11oz bottles. While it may sound like a waste in packaging, it is worth noting that this sauce is very big in taste so a few splashes will go a long way.
Enjoying Bourbon Balsamic Worcestershire Sauce
This condiment’s primary use is for steak, a few splashes on your steak will elevate the flavor to the next level by adding a complex sweet and tart flavor that goes great with steaks. This condiment can also be used as a marinade and to add flavors to stews, sauces, and soups. Just be careful not to use too much as this might overpower the natural tastes of the food you’re seasoning, remember, a little bit
Storage:
A bottle of this condiment will last a long time at room temperature, just be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Make your own bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce:
In a pinch, you can make your own bourbon balsamic Worcestershire sauce using the main ingredients. While the flavors of this may not be as well melded as those aged by artisan producers, it will do in a pinch as a quick steak condiment if you’re looking for something to spice up your steak dinner.
Ingredients:
Texas Bourbon for your choice, ½ cup
Local balsamic vinegar, 50ml
Worcestershire Sauce, 30ml
Soy sauce, 15ml
Step 1:
Combine all of the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pan (stainless is best because of the acidity of the ingredients) and bring to a simmer. Stir and reduce until the total liquid is about 1/3 cup or until the consistency is that of a light syrup. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 2:
Add in about 1 tablespoon of bourbon to reinforce the flavor (optional)
That’s it, quick and simple steak sauce.
