Adding Worcestershire sauce to a tin of baked beans can improve the flavour, balancing the sweetness of the tomato sauce. The condiment is a store cupboard staple that takes minimal effort to use.
Simple addition for better taste
Baked beans are a staple in kitchens across the UK and are often served with toast, at breakfast, or as part of a main meal. While the classic flavour is popular, it can become tiring over time. Worcestershire sauce helps add depth to the beans.
Stephanie Ganz from Simply Recipes backs the addition, saying the condiment can help build "layers of flavour" in savoury dishes, especially baked beans. She said: "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."
She added: "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."
How to improve baked beans
Ganz's recipe uses a tin of baked beans, a chopped brown onion, a couple of fresh garlic cloves (minced), two tablespoons of tomato ketchup, two tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and freshly ground black pepper.
In her method, she adds the baked beans to a casserole dish, then 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. A smoky flavour can be created by topping with bacon or adding smoked paprika.
