Browning sauce is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to your cooking. From meats to gravies, learn all about this essential pantry item and how to use it in your cooking.

Save Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send you the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes sent periodically!)

First Name

Email

SAVE

I had never heard of such a thing until I moved to South Louisiana. There's a store bought brand called Kitchen Bouquet, which I use often... it does have more seasoning though.

I prefer for my browning sauce to not be heavily seasoned as I like to season my dishes myself while cooking, then use browning sauce just for color if I need.

What is browning sauce

A browning sauce is used a lot in the south and the islands (Jamaica, etc) for adding color and depth to soups, stews, gravies, vegetables and meat.

It is a savory condiment that has a deep caramel color and a somewhat smoky flavor. Not to be mistaken for Worcestershire Sauce or Soy Sauce, this type of sauce has a dark color similar to those, but is used differently.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

• Light Brown Sugar
• Boiling Water
• Salt

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: Add the sugar to a medium sauce pan. Apply medium heat and cook, stirring intermittently.
• Step 2: Continue stirring as the sugar liquifies and starts to darken.
• Step 3: Once the sugar has reached a deep dark brown (almost black) color slowly start to add the boiling water, while still stirring. Remove from heat.
• Step 4: Add the salt and keep stirring until cooled enough to stop.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Granulated Sugar - White sugar can be used instead of the brown sugar.
• Vegetable Stock - instead of water - for more umami.
• Anchovies - although this is what is found in Worcestershire sauce. It can make your browning sauce too salty.
• Herbs - like parsley, can be added.
• Spices - if you want this to be more of a seasoning sauce too, you could spice it up and add a more savory flavor.

Sharing is Caring - Like Our Facebook Page

Necessary gear: Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

All that is needed is a saucepan, a wooden spoon for stirring and a jar for decanting and storing.

I have some affiliate links in the recipe card below.

More sauce recipes I think you'll love

How to store leftovers

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, a browning sauce can last up to 6 months.

How To Use Browning Sauce

Tips:
* Add to your chicken stew or gumbo to turn the broth darker.
* Brush onto your steaks, pork chops or chicken to give a darker appearance.
* Brush onto your grilled parsnips, turnips or other favorite veggies that need a smoky look.
* Browning onions? Add a drop to speed up the process. Onion tastes great with this added.

Mel's kitchen notes

Be careful when adding the boiling water. The cooked sugar is extremely hot and can spatter up at you. Keep stirring.

If you’ve tried this Browning Sauce Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!