Name: Homemade A1 Steak Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon corn syrup or molasses; 1 tablespoon raisin paste (or soaked and blended raisins); 1 tablespoon lemon juice

This homemade version of the classic A1 steak sauce brings bold, tangy, and savory flavors that pair perfectly with any grilled or seared meat. It’s made with pantry staples and ready in minutes, offering a delicious alternative to the store-bought bottle. Homemade A1 Steak Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to recreate the iconic A1 flavor at home using simple ingredients I already have in my kitchen. This sauce is rich, tangy, and just a little bit sweet—perfect for steaks, burgers, meatloaf, and even roasted vegetables. Making it myself also lets me adjust the flavors exactly how I like them, whether that’s a bit spicier, sweeter, or more acidic.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tomato paste
Water
Apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground cloves
Salt
Black pepper
Corn syrup or molasses
Raisin paste (or soaked and blended raisins)
Lemon juice

directions

I start by combining the tomato paste, water, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat.
I add in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, corn syrup or molasses, lemon juice, and raisin paste.
I stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper.
I let the mixture come to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook it for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, I remove it from heat.
I let it cool and then blend it (if needed) for a smoother texture.
I transfer the sauce to a glass jar and refrigerate it before using.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce and takes around 25 minutes total: 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of simmering. It serves about 8 people when used as a condiment.

Variations

I sometimes add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy version. For a sweeter twist, I increase the molasses or use brown sugar. If I want a smokier flavor, a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke works great. I’ve also tried blending in roasted garlic for extra depth.

storage/reheating

I store the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen in small portions if I don’t plan to use it all right away. To reheat, I gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How close is this to the real A1 steak sauce?

It’s very close in flavor—tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami. I find it just as satisfying, especially since I can control the ingredient quality.

Can I make this sauce without raisin paste?

Yes, I’ve used soaked and blended raisins or even a bit of prune puree when I didn’t have raisin paste. It gives the same subtle sweetness and texture.

What can I use instead of molasses?

I’ve used corn syrup, brown sugar, or even honey in place of molasses, depending on what I have on hand. Each gives a slightly different but delicious taste.

Is this sauce good for more than steak?

Absolutely. I use it on burgers, grilled chicken, and even roasted vegetables or in meatloaf glaze.

Can I make this sauce thicker or thinner?

Yes, if I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, I just add a splash more water or vinegar during cooking.

Conclusion

This homemade A1 steak sauce is my go-to for adding bold flavor to meat dishes. It’s quick, versatile, and easy to adjust to my taste. Once I started making it from scratch, I never looked back—it’s that good.