Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to baked beans while they cook significantly improves their flavour, according to cook Jenny Goycochea-Marker, founder of So Much Food. The condiment adds umami and cuts through the sweetness of the tomato sauce, making the beans taste richer and more savoury.
Most tins of baked beans in the UK come in a sweet tomato sauce without additional seasonings, which can make them taste bland over time. Children often enjoy the sweetness, but it can make the beans seem basic to adults, turning them into a cupboard staple rather than a meal to look forward to.
The Secret Ingredient for Savoury Beans
Goycochea-Marker said: "This is the secret to really savoury beans! Worcestershire sauce adds tons of umami flavour and really dresses up canned baked beans." The sauce's acidity helps balance the sweetness and enhances the smoky flavour, pairing well with cheese or other toppings.
This cheap and easy method uses an ingredient most Brits already have in their kitchen cupboard, so there is no need to make a special trip to the shops. Baked beans are versatile, so additional ingredients can be added to suit personal taste.
How to Make Better Baked Beans
For four servings, you will need two cans of baked beans (400g each), one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and optional ingredients including Dijon mustard, bacon rashers, smoked sausages, onion, ketchup, hot sauce, and dark brown sugar.
Place the beans in a large pot over low heat. Once bubbling, add the Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. If using bacon, cook it in a pan until crispy, then remove and keep the fat. Brown the sausages in the same pan, add onions, and cook for two to three minutes until softened.
Add the bacon, sausages, onions, and any optional ingredients like ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, and brown sugar to the beans. Simmer for five more minutes. Brown sugar helps enhance the smoky flavours of the bacon and sausages. Alternatively, sprinkle brown sugar on top and heat in the oven to caramelise the top for a better texture.
