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D.I.Y. Steak Sauce

This homemade steak sauce is a sophisticated, low-sugar alternative to shop-bought condiments, offering a deep, smoky profile that perfectly complements grilled meats. By charring fresh garlic, onions, and chillies over a high heat, you develop a natural sweetness and complex flavour that serves as the ideal foundation for a savoury sauce. The addition of porcini powder provides a wonderful umami depth, ensuring every spoonful is packed with rich, earthy notes.

Perfect for those following a low-sugar lifestyle, this versatile sauce is a brilliant addition to your summer barbecue repertoire or a Sunday steak dinner. It is incredibly simple to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. Serve it alongside a thick-cut ribeye or use it to add a punch of flavour to a gourmet beef burger.

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Ingredients for D.I.Y. Steak Sauce

  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally

  • 1/2 small onion, cut into 3/4" rounds

  • 2 Fresno chillies or 1/2 red pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 60ml Worcestershire sauce

  • 60ml red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon porcini powder

  • Ingredient info: Porcini powder is available at better supermarkets and from olivenation.com

How to make D.I.Y. Steak Sauce

Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill to high. Drizzle garlic, onion slices, and chillies with oil; turn to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning often, until golden brown and softened, about 12 minutes for garlic and 8 minutes for onion and chillies. Let cool slightly. Pop garlic cloves out of skins and reserve. Peel, stem, and seed chillies. Purée garlic, onion, chillies, Worcestershire sauce, and all remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth. Strain.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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