What Can I Substitute for Beef Consommé? 11 Tasty Options

Beef consommé is a rich flavorful broth that adds depth and complexity to many dishes. Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming to make from scratch. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry – there are plenty of good substitutes for beef consommé that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.

In this article I’ll go over what exactly beef consommé is, how it’s used in cooking, and 11 delicious ingredients you can use in place of beef consommé. I’ll also provide some tips on achieving the best results when substituting.

What is Beef Consommé?

Beef consommé is a clarified, concentrated beef broth. To make it, beef bones are simmered for hours with vegetables and seasonings to extract maximum flavor. The broth is then clarified, meaning it’s strained and purified to remove impurities and fat, resulting in a clear, intense liquid.

Unlike regular beef broth or stock, the consommé has a concentrated, meaty flavor and viscosity closer to a sauce. It adds richness and savoriness to dishes without making them greasy or cloudy.

Common uses for beef consommé include:

• French onion soup
• Base for gravies and sauces
• Deglazing pans
• Cooking rice or risotto
• Poaching seafood or poultry
• Adding flavor to stews and pot pies

11 Beef Consommé Substitutes

If you don’t have pre-made beef consommé on hand, don’t fret Here are 11 ingredients you likely already have in your pantry that make excellent substitutes

1. Beef Broth or Stock

The best and closest replacement is regular beef broth or stock. Simmer your broth for 30-60 minutes to concentrate the flavor. For an extra-smooth consommé-like consistency, clarify your broth by straining it through a cheesecloth lined sieve.

2. Browning Sauce

Browning sauce mimics the rich, meaty flavor of consommé. Mix 1 cup water with 1-2 tbsp browning sauce as a substitute in recipes. Browning sauce does have a slightly sweet, tangy flavor, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.

3. Bouillon Cubes or Granules

Beef bouillon cubes or granules mixed with hot water make a quick, easy broth. Use 1 cube or 1 tsp granules per 1 cup water. Bouillon often contains a lot of sodium, so reduce salt elsewhere in the recipe.

4. Mushroom Broth

For a vegetarian option, use mushroom broth. Sauté mushrooms before simmering to extract tons of savory, earthy flavor. Porcini and shiitake work especially well. Mushroom broth won’t be as rich, so reduce other liquids in the recipe.

5. Red or White Wine

Wine adds acidity and fruitiness you won’t get from consommé, but it does provide a similar intensity of flavor. Use 1⁄2 cup wine diluted with 1⁄2 cup water. Reduce salt to compensate for the sodium in consommé.

6. Soy Sauce

The umami punch of soy sauce mimics the meatiness of consommé. Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce with 1 cup water. Be mindful of sodium content and adjust other seasonings.

7. Worchestershire Sauce

Add 2-3 tsp Worcestershire sauce to 1 cup broth or water. The tamarind and molasses notes approximate the complexity of consommé. Like soy sauce, Worchestershire is very salty.

8. Tomato Juice or Sauce

Pureed tomato products provide richness and savory depth. Use 1 cup tomato juice or sauce diluted with 1⁄2 cup water. Boost flavor with basil, oregano, garlic, and onion powder.

9. Caramelized Onions

Onions cooked low and slow develop sweet, browned flavors similar to roasted meats in consommé. Use onion broth or purée caramelized onions into pan sauces and gravies.

10. Mushroom Soup

Opt for mushroom soup made from real mushrooms, not just cream of mushroom. The umami flavor approximates beef consommé. Thin with water or broth if a thinner consistency is needed.

11. Demi-Glace

Demi-glace is an ultra-reduced brown stock sauce. Dilute 2-3 tbsp demi-glace with 1 cup broth or water for an intense, meaty liquid. Demi-glace is très riche, so a little goes a long way.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

When substituting for beef consommé, keep these tips in mind:

• If the substitute is thinner than consommé, reduce other liquids in the recipe or thicken with a slurry at the end.

• Many substitutes are very salty, so reduce added salt in the recipe. Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Beef consommé has a very clean flavor. If using an assertively flavored substitute like wine or soy sauce, balance with aromatics and acid.

• For a clearer broth, strain substitutes like mushroom or onion broth through a cheesecloth-lined sieve.

• To approximate the mouthfeel of consommé, whisk in a pinch of xanthan or guar gum to thicken broths.

• Browning meat, mushrooms, or onions before simmering substitutes will provide deeper, richer flavor.

• Allow broth substitutes to simmer for 15-30 minutes to concentrate flavors.

With a little creativity, you can mimic the savory umami depth of beef consommé using common pantry items you likely have on hand. Give these tasty substitutes a try in your next recipe calling for consommé. Your dish will still be delicieux!