Looking for a substitute for beef broth for the recipe you’re making that calls for it?
But maybe you don’t have any on hand or you are following a vegetarian diet?
Then this is the guide for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
There are several substitutes that can be used to give your dishes a delicious depth of flavor.
We have grouped together the best substitutes for beef broth, from meat (chicken, turkey) options to vegetarian and vegan options.
Why Use A Substitute
There are many reasons why you are looking for beef broth substitutes.
Perhaps you are a vegetarian or vegan and one of the recipes you love includes beef broth as an ingredient
Or simply because the recipe you want to make has beef broth as an ingredient but you are running out of it.
Whatever the reason, there are many options for finding a beef broth substitute.
What Can I Use Instead Of Beef Broth? Best Substitutes For Beef Broth
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Beef Stock
Beef broth is the most similar substitute in terms of flavors, as both contain beef.
One may wonder what the difference is between beef broth and beef stock.
Stock is simmered longer than broths.
One to one ratio.
Beef Stock Concentrate
This substitute also has a similar flavor, being a highly concentrated paste that is made by boiling beef broth until a thick, concentrated syrup is formed.
To use beef broth concentrate, simply dissolve it in hot water.
The amount needed depends on the recipe you are preparing, so it is good to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
The ratio is one teaspoon dissolved in 1 cup of water to 1 cup of beef broth.
Beef bouillon cubes or granules
Beef bouillon cubes or granules are made from dehydrated beef stock and are a concentrated flavoring agent.
They are a convenient and economical alternative to beef broth, as they can be easily stored in the pantry and dissolved in hot water as needed.
Remember that they contain a lot of sodium, so my advice is not to add salt during the preparation, but to taste it at the end of cooking and adjust it in case there is a need.
The ratio is one beef bouillon cubes or teaspoon of granules in one cup of boiling water to make one cup of beef broth.
Beef Consommè
Beef consommé contains the same ingredients as beef broth, so it is an excellent substitute.
Thicker than beef broth, it contains the same ingredients with the difference that it is reduced to a thicker sauce.
In the reduction process, the thicker consistency also imparts a deeper flavor.
Keep in mind that beef consommé is typically more expensive than beef broth, so it may not be the best option for budget-conscious cooks.
To dilute consommé, start by adding one tablespoon of consommé to one cup of water for one cup of beef broth.
Beef Demi-Glace
Beef Demi-Glace is an great option if you are looking for a richer, more robust beefy flavor.
It has a concentrated beef flavor and when diluted, is an excellent substitute for beef broth
Dilute 1 teaspoon of demi-glace in one cup of water to replace one cup of broth.
Steak Sauce
Steak sauce is something we all have in the refrigerator and can be a tasty substitute for beef stock.
Its sharp, spicy flavor can add depth to soups and stews.
As a reminder, steak sauce contains a lot of salt, so be careful with the dosage.
Start with half a tablespoon to a cup of water and if necessary adjust after.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth or chicken stock is a fine substitute in the absence of beef broth.
It tastes lighter and milder than beef broth, but to make it taste closer to beef broth I recommend adding a few drops of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to give the broth more depth of flavor.
In the absence of beef broth, I use chicken broth in recipes such as Pot Roast.
You can use the ready-made one you find at the supermarket or you can make homemade chicken broth by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and herbs.
One to one ratio.
Turkey broth
Turkey broth is a leaner alternative to beef broth and has more flavor than chicken broth.
Can be prepared in the same way as chicken broth, but using turkey bones, and is a great way to add a little more depth and flavor to your dishes if you do not have beef broth.
One to one ratio.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds a unique flavor to dishes, so made a good substitute.
It is made from a mixture of vinegar, molasses, sugar, onions, anchovies, salt, garlic, tamarind extract and other seasonings.
It has a rich, savory flavor that can be used as a substitute for beef broth in many recipes.
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for each cup of water
Dashi
Dashi, a staple of Japanese cuisine, is another excellent option for replacing beef broth. It is a broth made from kombu (a type of seaweed) and bonito flakes (dried and smoked fish flakes).
Dashi has an umami flavor that can enhance the taste of dishes.
One to one ratio.
Vegetarian & vegan substitute
Water
If you have nothing on hand. water can be a simple substitute for beef broth, in the sense of liquid but not flavor.
In fact, water will not add any flavor to your dishes, but my advice is to use herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish you are cooking.
One to one ratio.
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth or vegetable stock is another great option to replace beef broth, perfect for those who prefer vegetable-based options.
Although it does not have the same depth of flavor as beef broth, it manages to give dishes a fresh, light flavor.
To make it richer, you can add drops of soy sauce.
Vegetable broth is really inexpensive and very easy to prepare at home, just boil leftover vegetables such as carrots, celery and onions.
Then blitz it using a blender.
To give more flavor to the vegetable broth, I can recommend roasting the vegetables before boiling them, so as to add some caramelization to the broth.
One recipe where I substitute beef broth very often is French onion soup for my vegetarian evenings.
One to one ratio.
Mushroom broth
Mushroom broth is another great substitute for those who prefer vegetable-based options.
It has a savory Umami flavor resembling beef broth.
It is easy to make at home with dried or fresh mushrooms and you can customize it by adding herbs and spices to taste.
And it is the perfect substitute in the preparation of risotto in my opinion.
One to one ratio.
Soy Sauce
To replace beef broth, soy sauce can be an excellent option; it adds depth and complexity to recipes.
Soy sauce is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to marinades .
This sauce can be quite salty, so be sure to adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly.
One tablespoon of soy sauce for each cup of water
Marmite
Another vegan or vegetarian option for those seeking a flavorful substitute for beef broth is Marmite dissolved in water.
This cream, made from yeast extract, has a distinctive flavor that can add depth you flavor to recipes.
Keep in mind that Marmite is quite salty, so it is essential to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe accordingly.
Dissolve one teaspoon of Marmite in one cup of hot water for every cup of broth needed.
Wine
By adding wine to the recipe, you can achieve a richness and depth of flavor similar to that of beef broth, without the need for beef.
The alcohol in the wine also helps break down the other ingredients, making them more tender and flavorful.
Red wine is a good option for heartier dishes such as stews and roasts, while white wine is a better choice for lighter dishes such as soups and sauces.
When using wine in place of beef broth, be sure to use a dry wine that is not too sweet. You don’t want to overpower the other flavors in the dish.
One to one ratio.
Beer
Another alternative to beef broth is beer or non-alcoholic beer.
Just like wine, it can add a rich, complex flavor to the dish.
For heartier dishes, dark beers such as stouts and porters are fine, while for lighter dishes, ales such as lagers and pilsners are more suitable
One to one ratio.
Liquid Aminos
Since liquid amino is such a versatile vegetarian and vegan ingredient, it is an excellent choice to replace beef broth; adding liquid aminos to your recipes will give them a savory and deep flavor.
This liquid is made from soybeans and offers an umami flavor similar to that of soy sauce, but with less salt.
One tablespoon of liquid aminos in a cup of water for a cup of broth
Tomato paste
Another option for those seeking a vegetarian or vegan alternative to beef broth is tomato paste.
Although it does not provide the same depth of flavor as beef broth, it can still add a flavorful element to dishes.
To use tomato paste as a substitute for beef broth, simply dissolve one tablespoon in one cup of hot water for every cup of broth needed.
A tablespoon of tomato paste into a warm cup of water for one cup of broth.
Miso paste
Miso paste, a traditional Japanese condiment, is an excellent substitute for beef broth for vegans or vegetarians.
This thick paste is made from fermented soybeans and is has a depth and rich flavor.
To use miso paste as a substitute for beef broth, start by diluting it in hot water; in general, one tablespoon of miso paste per one cup of liquid is a good place to start.
One tablespoon of miso paste in one cup of very hot water for one cup of broth
Frequently Asked Questions
While water can be used in place of beef broth in some recipes, keep in mind that it will not provide the same depth of flavor. If you do decide to use water, consider adding other flavor-boosting ingredients to enhance the taste, such as herbs and spices, or even a splash of vinegar. Keep in mind that the final result may not be as savory as if you had used beef broth, but it can still be a viable option if you don’t have any on hand.
If you find yourself with leftover broth, don’t let it go to waste!
Freezing it is a great way to prolong its shelf life and have it on hand for future recipes. Simply let the broth cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to label it with the date, so you know how long it has been in the freezer.
Frozen beef broth can last up to for months, and it’s always good to have on hand for soups, stews, and other savory dishes.
About Beef Broth
What is in Beef Broth
Beef broth is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich, savory flavor to lots recipes.
Homemade beef broth is made by simmering beef bones, vegetables, herbs and spices in water for several hours to extract all the flavor and nutrients from these ingredients.
The bones used to make beef broth are typically beef shank or oxtail, which have a high amount of collagen, a protein that breaks down during the simmering process and gives the broth its characteristic gelatinous texture.
The types of vegetables used in beef broth can vary, but common choices include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and parsley. These vegetables add depth of flavor and nutrients to the broth.
Herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and cloves are also commonly added to beef broth to enhance its flavor.
The cooking time of beef broth is critical to its flavor and texture, as it allows all the flavors to meld and the collagen to break down.
Beef broth also has nutritional benefits. It is high in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
What Beef Broth tastes like
It’s a bit difficult to describe as it depends on how it’s made and what herbs and spices are added. Generally, beef broth has a deep, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness and is slightly salty.
