A good broth is a staple ingredient that can be used in sauces, soups, casseroles, and almost anything. Beef broth is a liquid made from cooking beef bones and vegetables in plenty of water. Beef broth gives a rich and deep flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Adding a good splash of your favorite broth into what you’re cooking gives a sort of pleasure that is incomparable. It comes in liquid or powder form. It is denser than stocks and has a bit more flavor. Beef broth has a delicious and savory taste that one desires in general. You might not like beef broth because you’re vegetarian, or you’re averse to its taste. In either way, we’ve got you covered.
There’s no need to run to the market as your beef broth substitute already lies in your pantry. Here, we’ve combined some agile alternatives for beef broth that’ll surely save your day.
Six healthy substitutes for Beef Broth
1. Bouillon Cubes
For this substitute, you need:
- 1 bouillon cube
- 8 ounces water
Bouillon cubes work very well as a replacement for broth. Add one cube into boiling water and let it dissolve. Bouillon is a world-wide alternative for broth and chicken stock. 1 cube of bouillon is enough for 1 cup of broth. Bouillon cubes have high amounts of sodium. So, water should always be in a higher quantity than bouillon. Add 1 cube to 1/2 half cup of water and allow it to boil. They are concentrated stocks that have been grounded, dried, and compressed to cubes. Let the water boil till the cube is completely dissolved.
2. Beef Stock
For this substitute, you need:
- 1 beef stock
- A pinch of salt
You can swap beef broth with beef stock if beef is not a problem for you. You can use it in the same way as you use broth, as it is similar to the broth. The difference between broth and stock is simple and plain. Stock is a reduction of vegetables and boiled beef bones, whereas broth is prepared by reducing and boiling meat along with the bone of the meat. However, the stock is not as meaty as the broth. Its taste and body are less meaty and salty in contrast with broth.
3. Vegetable Broth
For this substitute, you need:
- 1 cup of vegetable broth per 1 cup of beef broth
Vegetable broth is the most common and world-wide used alternative for any meat stock. To give it a rich taste, just add vegetables like carrots, onions, mushrooms, garlic, etc. While sauteing the veggies, try adding seasonings like rosemary, bay leaf, thyme, or pepper, so the flavors are well infused. As an alternative for 1 cup of beef stock, use 1 cup of vegetable stock.
For more flavor, you can add vegetables, be it leftovers, as they enhance the flavor. For better taste, add a bit of Hatcho miso as it brings a tsunami of flavors with it as it melts on your tongue. The twist in the taste is unexpected.
4. Wine or Beer
For this substitute, you need:
- Wine or Beer 1 glass
- 1 glass water to dilute
Wine or beer is a great option to add to the stew, gravy, or chili or to braise meat. Use equal amount of both liquids, for the wine has to be diluted thoroughly to evanesce. You can use any non-alcoholic beer as an alternative for the beer if you want to avoid any alcohol content. The broth may catch fire due to high heat; therefore, be very attentive to prevent it from happening. It gives a full-flavored finish. But this substitute requires great deliberation as the wine has to dilute well. You can use red wine instead of white wine. It takes quite some time.
5. Mushroom Broth
For this substitute, you need:
- Water
- Salt
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Yellow Onion
- Carrot
- Dried or fresh parsley
- Peppercorns
- Assorted mushrooms
The mushroom broth is the most accessible of all these substitutes, as all the ingredients you need are already in your kitchen cabinet or fridge. All you need to do is saute the ingredients mentioned above and leave it to boil. Let it simmer till the time it reduces. You can replace assorted mushrooms with button mushrooms. When the stock smells and taste like mushrooms and the veggies are soft, you know it’s done. It might take an hour or so.
In case you want to add a bit of salty, tangy flavor to your dish, try adding miso paste. As it elevates your dish to an unexpectedly delicious level.
6. Soy Sauce
For this substitute, you need:
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 cup of water
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
Add parsley, garlic and bay leaves to soy sauce along with other seasoning salts and herbs. The seasonings must be added in small portions for too much, or too little of it can change the taste causing it to be entirely off. If you follow the recipe correctly, you’re guaranteed to get a tasty dish. If it doesn’t turn out as you expected, it’s best to start over. You can also use white wine as a replacement for soy sauce. It is a bit unconventional but is a unique substitute. If it turns out to be good (which I hope it does), it’s worth your efforts.
Conclusion
Beef broth is more than a delicious soup or beverage as it is a great help in healing, nutrition, joint function, skin, immunity, aiding digestion, and various other functions in the body. And not just that, its taste is no less than a tornado of flavors that sweeps across your tongue. To its addition, the heavenly sound it makes is like music to your ears, as the thick, rich and creamy liquid hits the hot burning skillet. And the aroma it exudes is like a promise of the treat you’re in on. It’s popular due to its rich flavor that can elevate any dish to a better taste. Now you know what to do when a recipe calls for beef broth, and you don’t have any on hand. Make your own beef broth substitute instead of running to the market. With these adequate, simple, quick, and tasty beef broth substitutes, you can always let your dishes taste flavorful and delicious.
FUN FACT: The gelatin in beef broth helps grow and strengthen hair and nails.
