A tin of baked beans is a staple in cupboards across the UK and can be enjoyed alongside a range of dishes. Yet there is a simple way to make them much tastier.
Baked beans already have a classic flavour thanks to the tomato sauce, but this can get tiring over time. A store cupboard ingredient is all you need to improve the taste, and it won't take much effort at all.
The simple ingredient that adds depth
Worcestershire sauce can be used to add depth and flavour to a tin of baked beans. It can help to balance the sweetness of the sauce and has been backed by chefs.
Stephanie Ganz from Simply Recipes said the simple condiment can help build "layers of flavour" in savoury dishes, and especially in baked beans.
Stephanie added: "One of my go-to recipes for get-togethers and bringing them to friends’ houses is a zhuzhed-up version of canned baked beans.
"I find that even bean haters (my kids) can enjoy sweet and savoury baked beans when they’re served with a spread of meats and sides."
"Baked beans are among the easiest, always-on-hand recipes I rely on for a quick side dish. Worcestershire sauce gives my baked beans a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them sing."
Home cooks share their tips
The method is loved by many home cooks who have shared their tip to Reddit. One person said: "In a pan, butter, little bit of Worcestershire sauce, sprinkle of pepper."
Another added: "Can of baked beans on a stove, mix in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon or two of ketchup, warm it up until it’s just before bubbly." Someone else commented: "Knob of butter, couple of splashes of Worcester sauce!"
Lea Perrins Worcestershire Sauce can be bought for £2.28 from Asda, while Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's sell their own for £1.30.
How to make baked beans tastier
Ingredients
- Tin of baked beans
- Brown onion, chopped
- A couple of fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Two tbsp tomato ketchup
- Two tbsp brown sugar
- One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method
In her recipe, Stephanie cooked the baked beans in a casserole dish. She adds the onion, garlic cloves, ketchup and brown sugar. Top with freshly ground black pepper and the Worcestershire sauce. Cover the beans with foil and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes at 180°C.
If cooking on the hob, fry the onions in a deep pan before adding all the ingredients. Simmer on the hob for around 10 to 15 minutes. You can create a smoky flavour by topping with bacon or adding smoked paprika.
