If you go to a Western food restaurant or a burger shop, maybe you see a Lea sauce bottle & Perrins Sauce. This classic British sauce has been around for over a decade 180 years and has become used in kitchens all over the world. In this blog note, I will dive into the history of this sauce, what makes it so special and how you can use it in your cooking.
History of Lea & Perrins Sauce
Lea & Perrins was first created in Worcester, England, in the early 1800s by two chemists named John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins. The two were tasked with creating a new sauce for a local customer returning from India and were looking for something to recreate the taste of the dishes they enjoyed there. After many attempts, they were finally able to produce the perfect ingredient recipe and began to produce the requested sauce in small quantities, but it doesn't taste very good.
Only in the late 1830s, you're Lea & Perrins really started to gain popularity. At that time, John and William have a surplus of sauce that they cannot sell, so they kept it in a barrel in their basement. A few years later, they rediscovered the barrel and found that the sauce had matured and developed a more complex and far more delicious flavor. They started selling this old sauce called Worcestershire Sauce, which quickly became popular among the locals and eventually made its way to London and on to the rest of the world.
What Makes It So Special?
So what exactly makes Lea & Perrins is so special? It all depends on the materials and the production process. The sauce is made from a mixture of malt vinegar, molasses, gula, salt, anchovies, tamarind, shallots and other seasonings. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but what is known is that the ingredients are left to ferment until 18 moon, which gives the sauce its own unique umami taste.
This sauce also has a unique versatility that makes it an excellent addition to many dishes. It is usually used as a steak sauce, but it can also be used to add flavor to marinades, sup, stews and also in cocktail drinks. Sour flavor profile, sweet and spicy sauce pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a frequently used seasoning by many chefs and home cooks.
How to Use in Your Cooking
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Add to the marinade. Lea & Perrins are an excellent ingredient to put into marinades for steak, chicken, goat meat, or even vegetables. Its acid content helps tenderize the meat while adding flavors that cannot be achieved with other ingredients.
- Use it as a flavor enhancer. Certainly, This sauce is also good as a seasoning for steaks, but don't stop there. Try adding some to scrambled eggs, grilled vegetables or even a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra layer of flavor.
- Put it in the soup and stew. If you want to make a good soup or stew, try adding a spoonful or two of Lea sauce & Perrins for added flavour. It goes well with beef and tomato based soups or stews.
- Make the dipping sauce. Mix the Lea sauce & Drizzle with mayonnaise or sour cream for a quick and easy dipping sauce. It's great for dipping vegetables, chips, or even chicken.
- Use it in marinades for roasted vegetables. Roasted vegetables are delicious on their own, but a little Lea sauce & Perrins can take it to the next level. Mix the sauce with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, then toss with your vegetables before baking.
Lea & Perrins is Halal certified
Many people wonder if this sauce is halal for Muslims to eat? Lea & Perrins has already obtained Halal certification from Halal Certification Europe which is also recognized by JAKIM Malaysia. Therefore it can be used without hesitation.
Conclusion
Lea & Perrins is a classic flavoring with a rich history and unique flavor profile. Whether you use it as a sauce stick, marinades or cocktail ingredients, there are many ways to incorporate this delicious sauce into your cooking. By keeping a bottle of Lea sauce & Perrins in your kitchen, you'll always have a quick and easy way to add to your favorite dishes.
