Beef broth is a versatile kitchen staple used in many recipes from soups and stews to gravies and sauces. But what do you do when a recipe calls for beef broth and you don’t have any on hand? Don’t worry there are plenty of easy ingredient substitutes for beef broth that can save the dish!
In this article, we’ll explore 15 simple beef broth substitutes to use in any recipe We’ll also provide tips on how to use each substitute and info on making your own homemade beef broth
Why Use a Beef Broth Substitute?
There are a few common reasons you may need a beef broth substitute
- You’ve run out of beef broth and don’t have time to run to the store.
- You follow a vegetarian, vegan, or restricted diet.
- You want to reduce sodium, fat, or calories by using a lower-sodium or veggie-based sub.
- You simply want to experiment with different flavors!
Luckily, whether you’re out of beef broth or just want to change up the flavor, there are plenty of easy ingredient swaps to give your dish a tasty broth base.
15 Beef Broth Substitute Options
Here are 15 broth substitutes to use in place of beef broth:
1. Beef Stock
Beef stock is the closest match for beef broth’s rich, meaty flavor. Stock is made by simmering beef bones while broth uses beef meat.
Use a 1:1 ratio but dilute stock with water since it’s more concentrated than broth.
2. Beef Consommé
Beef consommé is a concentrated, intense beef broth. It’s thicker and darker than regular broth.
Thin it out with water when substituting for broth. Start with half consommé and half water.
3. Chicken Broth
Chicken broth has a milder flavor but provides a similar meaty saltiness. Simply swap 1:1 for beef broth.
4. Vegetable Broth
For a veggie-based sub, use vegetable broth. Add aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, and parsley. Use a 1:1 ratio.
5. Mushroom Broth
Mushroom broth provides an earthy, umami flavor. Use it 1:1 for beef broth. Add lemon or white wine for acidity.
6. Soy Sauce
For a salty, savory flavor, use diluted soy sauce. Mix 1 tbsp into 1 cup water per 1 cup broth. Use a dark soy sauce.
7. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce provides tangy sweetness and savoriness. Dilute 1 tbsp per 1 cup water for each cup broth.
8. Beef Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes add concentrated broth flavor when dissolved in water. Use 1 cube per 1 cup hot water.
9. Red Wine
For richness, use red wine diluted with water. Try 1/2 cup wine and 1/2 cup water for each cup broth.
10. Beer
Dark beer like porter or stout can sub for broth. Dilute strong flavors with honey or sugar. Use a 1:1 ratio.
11. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds richness when diluted with water. Use 1 tbsp paste per 1 cup water for 1 cup broth.
12. Miso Paste
For umami flavor, use red or yellow miso paste diluted with water. Start with 1 tbsp miso per 1 cup water.
13. Liquid Aminos
The savory seasoning liquid aminos adds flavor when mixed with water. Use a 1:2 ratio of aminos to water.
14. Marmite
The yeasty British spread Marmite provides meaty flavor. Dilute 1 tbsp Marmite per 1 cup water.
15. Water
In a pinch, use water and add extras like oil, herbs, and onion for flavor.
Tips for Using Beef Broth Substitutes
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When using substitutions like soy sauce or miso that are very flavorful, add small amounts at a time until you achieve the right flavor balance.
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Consider combining subs like soy sauce + red wine or vegetable broth + Marmite to achieve a closer beef broth flavor.
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Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the sub’s flavor.
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For vegetarian/vegan subs, opt for mushroom broth, vegetable broth, miso, or liquid aminos.
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For lower-sodium options, choose low-sodium soy sauce, broths, bouillon, or Worcestershire sauce.
How to Make Homemade Beef Broth
When you have time, making your own beef broth at home is simple, inexpensive, and lets you control the ingredients.
To make homemade beef broth:
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Place 3-4 lbs beef bones in a pot and cover with water. Add aromatic veggies like onion, carrot, and celery.
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Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours, skimming fat and scum.
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Strain the broth through a mesh strainer into a container. Cool broth completely before refrigerating.
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Beef broth keeps for up to a week refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
Get Creative with Your Beef Broth Substitutes
With so many options like vegetable broth, red wine, bouillon cubes, and soy sauce, you can get creative substituting beef broth in any recipe.
Experiment with different beef broth subs to make vegetarian versions of recipes or impart new flavors. Just remember to adjust seasonings and dilute strong flavors as needed.
So next time you’re cooking and realize you don’t have any beef broth, don’t stress! Reach for one of these easy ingredient swaps and your dish will still come out full of flavor.
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FAQ
What do I use in place of beef broth?
- Vegetable Broth : This is a great vegetarian option that can provide a similar depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth : While it has a lighter flavor than beef broth, it can work well in many recipes.
- Mushroom Broth
- Water with Seasonings
- Beef Bouillon Cubes or Granules
- Red Wine or Beer
- Homemade Broth
Can I use water instead of beef broth?
What can I use if I don’t have broth for a recipe?
If you’re out of broth in this instance, you don’t need to worry at all. You can deglaze a pan with wine or even a bit of water. When using water as a chicken broth substitute, be sure to add a little extra seasoning to your food to compensate for the lack of additional flavor.May 18, 2023
What is the same as beef broth?
Stock is made with bones and some trim. Broth has the same but also has meat. So it’s richer and can be served on its own, whereas stock is generally only used as an ingredient in other recipes. But for most cooking purposes, the two are interchangeable.
Can you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for beef broth. Vegetable broth makes a suitable beef stock substitute to add seasoning and the subtle flavor of vegetables. It’s lower in fat and cholesterol than regular meat-based broths.
Can beef broth be substituted for beef stock?
Yes, beef broth can be substituted for beef stock. Use the same amount, but check the flavor and seasoning. You may need to add minced vegetables, salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the taste.
What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth as the substitute. Chicken broth adds a mild flavor and light color to dishes. Both broths have nearly identical compositions: The chicken broth calls for chicken instead of beef meat — causing less flavor but retaining a meaty taste as much as it is savory.
Can you use water as a substitute for beef broth?
Using water alone as a substitute for beef broth will not produce the same results. Beef broth is made by simmering beef bones, water, and vegetables. Using water in place of beef broth will not add flavor to your dish and may dilute the flavors of the other ingredients.
What is a good substitute for beef broth?
The best miso to substitute for beef broth is yellow or red miso due to its richer robust flavor. Compared to some of the other vegetarian options, like vegetable broth, miso paste has a deeper flavor with the tanginess that fermentation provides. Another paste that you probably already have sitting in your kitchen cupboard is tomato paste.
What makes mushroom broth a good substitute for beef broth?
Mushroom broth is an excellent substitute for beef broth because vegetables and seasonings in mushroom broth ensure the depth of flavor that broths bring to a dish. Mushrooms provide a rich, umami flavor similar to beef, making them a great meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can use mushroom broth as a 1:1 substitute for beef broth.