Homemade A1 Sauce Recipe (Best Steak Sauce)

When we talk about the best condiments, the A1 sauce recipe comes to mind. Did you know that it can be made at a fraction of the price at home?

Suppose, you’re already spending much money on the steak. Now you want to choose a less expensive sauce without compromising on flavor. If so, you’ve come to the right place. This A1 sauce recipe for steak is a cheap one and uses basic cupboard components. 

If you desire a smoky, sweet, and tangy steak sauce that even surpasses the original flavor, continue reading.

What is the A1 Steak Sauce Recipe?

A mixture of ketchup, mustard, vinegar, orange juice, raisins, and corn syrup is used to prepare the A1 sauce recipe. With its distinct taste, the sauce complements meat dishes such as steaks, hamburgers, meatloaf, and anything else you can think of.

The store-bought A1 sauce costs a lot. It has a lot of preservatives, like xanthan gum and potassium sorbate that add to the original cost of the product. Thankfully, you can make A1 steak sauce without all those artificial components at home. This following recipe allows you to have all the flavor of the traditional sauce without adding any preservatives and at a far lower cost.

Why this Steak Sauce is Called A1?

George IV, the king of Britain, gave this sauce its name. Chef Henderson William Brand served the king the sauce in 1824. He rated it “A1” since he was so in love with it.

Ingredients for A1 Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for the A1 Sauce Recipe include the following:

Ketchup: For the sweet and tangy sauce base. Use the products of high-quality brands like Del Monte and Heinz.

Yellow Mustard: This sauce has a tart and tangy taste due to the mustard seeds, turmeric, and vinegar. It harmonizes well with the sweetness of the ketchup.

Worcestershire Sauce: For the delicious umami flavor. Anchovies, soy sauce, tamarind, vinegar, molasses, and sugar are present in the Worcestershire sauce. What a fusion of flavors!

Vinegar: For a minor tang that counteracts the ketchup’s sweetness. Use apple cider vinegar for the best taste and flavor.

Hot Sauce: To add a little spiciness.

Salt and Pepper: Add the pepper and salt according to your taste.

Recipe Instruction

Add the mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour the sauce into a jar, seal it, and chill for at least half an hour.

Additional Recipe Tips

• The flavor improves with increased resting time. To allow the flavors to meld, let the sauce sit for at least thirty minutes.
• As long as it is preserved correctly, homemade steak sauce keeps well. Keep sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks by sealing it in a jar.
• If you want to extend the shelf life of the sauce, store it in the freezer. The sauce that is frozen can be stored properly for up to two months. 
• It’s easy to double or triple this recipe. To make a smaller quantity, you can also cut it in half.
• You can also use the sauce for dipping anything other than meats. Onion rings, wings, and fries also taste great with A1 sauce.
• The sauce can also be used to simulate meat flavor in vegan recipes. 
• You can certainly use Dijon or brown mustard in place of yellow mustard.

Recipe Variations 

Although this recipe has previously been tried and tested, you can vary it up by adding more ingredients. Here are some recommendations:

• Add a little horseradish for a bit of kick. But due to its strong flavor, only add a small amount—roughly 1/4 teaspoon.
• For an Asian twist, you can also substitute wasabi for the horseradish. Use soy sauce instead of salt, along with ginger and sesame oil.
• Leave out the hot sauce for a kid-friendly sauce. 
• A splash of orange juice will give it a vibrant citrus taste.
• Add chipotle chiles, buffalo wing sauce, sriracha, or cayenne powder for more spiciness.
• For more flavor and aroma, add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic that has been sautéed. Garlic powder can also be used.
• Add some chili powder, cumin, coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice for a hint of Mexican flavor.
• If you want a creamier sauce, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayo will work.
• To add an earthy flavor, add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary.

Can I Use A1 Sauce as a Marinade? 

Indeed, but there will be some adjustments needed. Add two tablespoons of oil, minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of ground pepper, and let the meat soak in the sauce for one hour before cooking.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 39
• Calories from Fat: 9
• Fat: 1g 
• Saturated Fat: 1g 
• Sodium: 259mg
• Potassium: 125mg
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 60IU
• Vitamin C: 8.3mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 0.6mg