How long does homemade steak sauce last?

About 4 weeks in a covered jar in the refrigerator.

Can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

Homemade Steak Sauce

A tangy, slightly sweet brown steak sauce of tomato, raisins, orange, Worcestershire, vinegar and spices, simmered and blended smooth. Makes about 2 cups.

Gluten-free with swaps Dairy-free Make-ahead

Contains: fish, wheat, soy. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Yield About 2 cups
Level Easy

Updated November 4, 2026

Jar and bowl of dark homemade steak sauce beside sliced grilled steak

This homemade version of the classic bottled brown steak sauce is tangy, fruity and peppery, with raisins and orange for sweetness and plenty of vinegar and Worcestershire for bite.

It keeps for weeks in the refrigerator and is great on burgers and pork chops too.

Ingredients

1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

To make it gluten-free

For the soy sauce, use tamari or a soy sauce labeled gluten-free.

Also check the labels on the Worcestershire sauce, which can contain wheat. See all our gluten-free recipes.

New to an ingredient? See Worcestershire sauce in our kitchen glossary.

What you’ll need

saucepan
blender
jar with a lid

Instructions

Simmer. Combine everything in a saucepan, bring to a simmer and cook 20 minutes, stirring often, until the raisins are plump and the onion soft.
Blend. Puree in a blender until very smooth. Thin with a little water if needed.
Store. Cool, pour into a jar and refrigerate up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition per 1/4 cup (estimated)

80Calories

19 gCarbohydrates

<1 gFiber

18 gNet carbs

<1 gProtein

0 gFat

Estimated per 1/4 cup (the recipe makes about 2 cups), using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Dairy-free Gluten-free with swaps

Tips

Let the blender lid vent while blending hot liquids.
The flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead

Pour into a jar and refrigerate up to 4 weeks. The flavor improves after a day.

Questions about this recipe

How long does homemade steak sauce last?: About 4 weeks in a covered jar in the refrigerator.
Can I make it spicier?: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

More beef and steak recipes

All beef and steak recipes | All recipes | Cooking guide and safe temperatures