Beef broth is a versatile pantry staple used to make soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. Its rich, savory flavor adds a boost of umami that enhances any dish. But what if you don’t have beef broth when a recipe calls for it? Not to worry – you have plenty of options to substitute for beef broth.
Why Find a Beef Broth Substitute?
There are a few reasons why you may need a beef broth substitute
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You simply ran out of beef broth and don’t have time to run to the store This happens to all of us!
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You follow a vegetarian, vegan or restricted diet that limits beef products.
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You want to reduce sodium, as beef broth tends to be high in salt.
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You’re looking for a lower-cost option than store-bought beef broth.
Luckily, with a variety of alternatives, you can still make delicious soups, stews, and other dishes without beef broth.
Beef Broth vs. Beef Stock
Before diving into the substitutes, it helps to understand the difference between beef broth and beef stock:
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Beef broth is made by simmering beef and vegetables to extract flavor. It has a thinner consistency and is seasoned.
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Beef stock is made by simmering beef bones for a long time. It has a thicker, more gelatinous texture and is unseasoned.
For most recipes, beef broth and beef stock can be used interchangeably. But bone broth has gained popularity recently for potential health benefits.
13 Savory Substitutes for Beef Broth
From vegetarian swaps to homemade options, consider these beef broth stand-ins:
1. Chicken Broth
Chicken broth has a milder flavor than beef broth. But it makes an easy 1:1 substitute in most recipes. Boost the flavor with a splash of red wine or extra herbs.
2. Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth works well in place of beef broth, especially in vegetarian dishes. Look for low-sodium varieties or make your own using veggie scraps.
3. Mushroom Broth
For an umami flavor similar to beef broth, use mushroom broth. Make your own by simmering mushrooms in water or buy it ready-made.
4. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds salty, savory notes similar to beef broth. Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 cup water to replace 1 cup beef broth.
5. Beef Bouillon
Beef bouillon cubes or granules dissolve easily in hot water. Use them in a 1:1 ratio to replace beef broth in any recipe.
6. Red or White Wine
Wine adds acidity and richness when braising or simmering. Replace beef broth with an equal amount of red or white wine.
7. Bone Broth
Bone broth made from beef bones makes an excellent flavorful substitute. It simmers longer so has more body.
8. Beer or Non-Alcoholic Beer
Odd as it may sound, beer replicates the savory aspects of beef broth. The alcohol cooks off, leaving great flavor.
9. Tomato Paste and Water
Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 1 cup water to replace 1 cup beef broth. This adds richness.
10. Dried Porcini Mushrooms
Rehydrate dried porcini mushrooms in hot water to make a intensely savory liquid to use in place of broth.
11. Miso Paste
Whisk a tablespoon or two of miso paste into water for an easy umami-rich broth substitute. Reduce salt elsewhere in recipe.
12. Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes
For a thick, rich broth substitute, boil potatoes or sweet potatoes in water until very tender. Discard solids.
13. Lentils or Beans
Cook lentils or beans in water until very tender. Mash some of the solids into the cooking liquid for a thick, flavorful broth.
Tips for Using Beef Broth Substitutes
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For vegetarian/vegan dishes, stick to vegetable broth, mushrooms, wine, or beans/lentils for the best flavor.
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Reduce or omit additional salt when using soy sauce or miso so dish doesn’t get too salty.
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For richer dishes like gravy or stew, choose substitutes with more body like wine, tomatoes, or bone broth.
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Make sure to use broth substitutes in the same quantity called for in the recipe. You may need to thin with water.
With so many options like vegetable broth, wine, bouillon, or even lentils, you can replicate the savory umami taste of beef broth in your cooking. Don’t let a lack of beef broth stop you from whipping up delicious soups, stews, sauces, and more!
How beef broth is often used
Beef broth can serve as a braising fluid or added to stews or soups. But what if you dont have any beef broth on hand and you dont have the time to get to the store? Hopefully, youll find the perfect substitute listed below.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Worcestershire sauce can make a really a great substitute. Worcestershire sauce is made with anchovies, tamarind, and various spices, and it delivers a delicious flavor and a rich taste.
Worcestershire sauce offers complex umami flavors that take care of the salt factor required in the dish and can even make it a better flavorful choice versus something like soy sauce.
To use Worcestershire sauce as a substitute, add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water or vegetable broth for each cup of beef broth.
Unfortunately, since it can contain anchovies or fish soup, it is not a vegetarian or vegan substitute.
If you dont 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.
To use chicken broth as a substitute, simply add on a 1:1 ratio.
Mushroom broth is a flavorful and earthy substitute in recipes. It pairs well with dishes that contain onion, garlic, or celery and adds a nice mushroom flavor.
This broth is made by simmering mushrooms in water, which creates a deep, rich flavor. You can, if you wish, make your own mushroom broth with assorted mushrooms. A Couple Cooks has a great homemade mushroom broth thats easy and ready in about 15 minutes.
This alternative is both vegetarian/vegan as it is prepared similar to vegetable broth but most of its flavor is produced from an assortment of mushrooms instead of an assortment of vegetables.
Mushroom broth has similar flavors and consistency to beef broth but you can also add a touch of soy sauce, fresh herbs, or spices to boost the flavor.
To use mushroom broth, substitute at a ratio of 1:1.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to add beef broth flavor to your dish and keep that meaty flavor, beef bouillon cubes are a great option for beef stew and other dishes!
Bouillon cubes are made of dehydrated beef broth and dissolve quickly in hot water. To use bouillon cubes as a substitute, add one bouillon cube to 1 cup of hot water.
Similar to beef bouillon cubes, these are a great way to add chicken broth flavor to your dish. They are made of dehydrated chicken broth and dissolve quickly in hot water.
Both beef and chicken cubes are a great way to add the flavor of beef or chicken broth to your dish without having to make a full pot of broth.
They are also a quick and easy option if you only need a small amount of broth for your recipe.
To use bouillon cubes as a substitute, add one bouillon cube to 1 cup of hot water.
Miso paste can be a good substitute because it has a deep, savory flavor and contains umami ingredients.
Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley and is a good vegan or vegetarian substitute.
To use miso, add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of hot or boiling water.
Bone broth is the closest match because of its texture and rich beef flavor.
To use as a replacement for beef broth, substitute at a ratio of 1:1.
Because its concentrated, tomato paste has a rich deep flavor thats great for soups and stews.
To use tomato paste as a substitute, add one tablespoon of tomato paste to 1 cup of hot or boiling water.
Soy Sauce and Steak Sauce
The combination of soy sauce and steak sauce is a wonderful substitute for beef broth.
To use this substitute, combine some soy sauce with the steak sauce.
While not an ideal substitution, steak sauce can add a similar flavor to dishes that call for beef broth.
If you are looking for a salty and savory substitute for beef broth, then soy sauce is a great option!
This condiment has a savory umami flavor, providing similar salability to beef soups in several recipes, in addition to sauces, stews, and gravies.
Definitely start out low when it comes to using soy sauce as a substitute. Perhaps start as low as 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water and work your way up to a suitable ratio.
Soy sauce makes a very nice substitute for vegetarian and vegan dishes, too.
what are substitutes for beef broth ? | how to replace meat? | how to replace meat
FAQ
What can you use instead 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 Worcestershire sauce instead of beef broth?
Chicken or veggie broth plus a splash of Worcestershire sauce makes a great beef broth sub in a pinch.
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 I just use water if I don’t have beef broth?
Yes, you can use water instead of beef broth for beef stew, but it will affect the overall flavor of the dish. Beef broth adds richness and depth, while water will result in a milder taste. To enhance the flavor when using water, consider adding:
What is a good substitute for beef broth?
An unusual substitute for beef broth, mushroom broth can provide a lot of flavor to your recipe. It is made by simmering assorted mushrooms and vegetables in water until they release their flavor. Mushroom broth can be used as a 1:1 substitution for a cup of beef broth called for in your recipe.
Can you use water as a substitute for beef broth?
If the beef broth is a smaller component in a recipe (or not the main ingredient), you can usually use water as a substitute. You may want to amp up the spices or herbs like bay leaves in the recipe to add a little extra flavor, but in most cases, water will work just fine. Use the same amount of water as your would broth. 5. Beer
Can you substitute beef stock for beef broth?
If the beefy flavor is what you are after, the beef stock will make a good substitute in any recipe. It may be slightly thicker with a less defined flavor, however, this is easy to adjust by adding salt, spices, or herbs and diluting the liquid with a little water if it’s too thick. Substitute beef broth with beef stock in equal amounts. 2.
Can you use beer as a substitute for beef broth?
You can use beer as a substitute for beef broth in many recipes. Beer is very flavorful, so use it sparingly in your recipe as it will change the flavor. Use the same amount of beer as you would chicken broth in your recipe if it’s a small amount, for larger amounts consider adding some water.
What can I use instead of beef broth in pot roast?
To replace beef broth in pot roast, you can opt for one cup of vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding soy sauce and red wine. In addition, you can add bay leaf, pepper, rosemary, thyme, or other Italian seasonings because they help infuse better flavor. These seasonings have to be infused while sautéing the vegetables.
Can you substitute garlic for beef broth?
If a recipe calls for a cup of beef broth, you’ll want to add up to one garlic head to the recipe instead. And if you’re using ginger as a substitute, you can add up to a tablespoon of fresh minced ginger or two teaspoons of ground ginger. Then, regardless of whether you’re using garlic or ginger, add a cup of water to substitute the liquid.