I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine cooking stews or sauces without adding some beef bouillon powder or cubes. Every single friend of mine knows that beef stew is my comfort food.
Actually, one of my friends gave me beef bouillon cubes as a birthday gift. Needless to say how excited and grateful I was for such a brilliant gift idea!
I wish I received beef bouillon as a birthday gift from more people because every time I ran out of it, I enter a state of despair. That was the reason why I decided to roll up my sleeves and find the best beef bouillon substitutes for stews, sauces, casseroles, and other dishes.
So, if you’re struggling to find the best beef bouillon substitute or you simply don’t have time to make your own, here are some of the best substitutes you’d ever find.
I divided my “beef bouillon substitute revelations” into two sections. The first one comprises beef-based substitutes which are my first choices. The second section is other beef bouillon substitutes which are also great alternatives if you happen to lack the ones listed in the first section.
NOTE: To help you narrow down your choices, I’ve compared each beef-based substitute to beef bouillon in terms of their similarities and differences.
BONUS: Homemade bouillon powder recipe is waiting for you at the end of this article.
Beef-Based Substitutes For Beef Bouillon
From beef broth to bone broth, here are the best beef bouillon substitutes out there:
1. Beef broth
Did you know that the word ‘bouillon,’ is the French word for ‘broth’? That’s why beef broth is definitely the best substitute for beef bouillon.
Similarities
• Made of: Both beef broth and beef bouillon are typically made of beef meat, spices, herbs, and vegetables.
• Flavor: Beef broth and beef bouillon share a rich, meaty flavor given that they’re made of the same ingredients.
• Availability: Both beef broth and beef bouillon can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
• Nutritional value: Beef broth and beef bouillon (cubes or powder) have low amounts of calories and fat.
Differences
• Texture: Beef broth has a liquid consistency, whereas beef bouillon is dehydrated broth formed into cubes or powder.
• Price: 32 oz of beef broth is around $2, while 3 oz of beef bouillon cubes cost around $2. Beef bouillon powder is a bit more expensive with an average price of $6 per 3 oz.
How to use beef broth in cooking
Beef broth can be eaten “solo” without any other additions. Also, it is ideal for risotto, casseroles, stuffing, stews, soups, chicken noodle soups, sauces, etc. Substitute it at a ratio of 1:1.
2. Beef base
Beef base is a concentrated version of beef broth which makes it another great alternative for beef bouillon cubes or powder.
Similarities
• Flavor: Both beef base and beef bouillon have a rich, meaty flavor.
• Nutritional value: Beef broth and beef bouillon (cubes or powder) have low amounts of calories and fat.
• Availability: Both beef base and beef bouillon can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
Differences
• Made of: Beef base is made of beef bones, beef meat (or both), spices, herbs, and vegetables. Beef bouillon is typically made of beef meat, spices, herbs, and vegetables.
• Texture: Beef base is a concentrated beef stock that has syrup-like consistency when melted, while beef bouillon is dehydrated broth formed into cubes or powder.
• Price: 32 oz of beef base is around $2, while 3 oz of beef bouillon cubes cost around $2. Beef bouillon powder is a bit more expensive with an average price of $6 per 3 oz.
How to use beef base in cooking
You can add the beef base to soups, sauces, stews, you name it. Feel free to substitute it at a ratio of 1:1.
3. Beef stock
Beef stock is a liquid alternative to beef bouillon which has a slightly different taste, but it goes well with almost any dish that calls for beef bouillon.
Similarities
• Availability: Both beef stock and beef bouillon can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
• Nutritional value: Beef stock and beef bouillon (cubes or powder) have low amounts of calories and fat.
Differences
• Made of: Beef stock is always made by simmering liquid with bones, while beef bouillon is typically made of beef meat, spices, herbs, and vegetables.
• Texture: Beef stock has a thick, gelatinous texture while beef bouillon is dehydrated broth formed into cubes or powder.
• Flavor: Beef stock has a more neutral flavor because it’s made by simmering bones without the addition of seasonings or meat. Contrary to it, beef bouillon has a rich, meaty flavor.
• Price: 32 oz of beef stock is around $2, while 3 oz of beef bouillon cubes cost around $2. Beef bouillon powder is a bit more expensive with an average price of $6 per 3 oz.
How to use beef stock in cooking
Beef stock is best used for sauces, stews, and gravies. You can also add seasonings to it according to your preferences. Substitute it at a ratio of 1:1.
Other Beef Bouillon Substitutes
If you don’t have beef broth, base, and stock at hand, or there aren’t any in stores, below is the list of other great alternatives you should consider:
1. Chicken broth: you can use chicken broth in the same amounts as beef broth.
2. Vegetable broth: you can use vegetable broth in the same amounts as beef broth. You can also use some of these vegetable broth substitutes.
3. Water with seasoning: add turmeric, oregano, thyme, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder to water and boil. You can use this substitute in the same amounts as beef broth.
4. Mushroom broth: use mushroom broth in the same amounts as beef broth.
5. Dry white wine: use dry white wine in equal amounts as beef broth for small quantities. For larger quantities, it’s best to mix dry white wine with water at a ratio of 1:1.
6. Miso paste: combine 1 tablespoon of miso paste with 1 cup of hot water and stir it until it dissolves. Use this substitute in equal amounts as beef broth.
7. Soy sauce: mix 2 teaspoons of soy sauce with 1 cup of warm water. Use soy sauce in the same amounts as beef broth.
8. Red wine: use red wine in equal amounts as beef broth for small quantities. For larger quantities, it’s best to mix dry white wine with water at a ratio of 1:1.
9. Liquid aminos: add 2 teaspoons of liquid aminos to 1 cup of warm water and use it in the same ratio as beef broth.
10. Beer: feel free to use beer in equal amounts as beef broth for small quantities. For larger quantities, it’s recommended to add some water.
11. Dashi: mix 1 teaspoon of dashi with 2 ½ cups of warm water and stir.
12. Ramen seasoning: add 1 teaspoon of ramen seasoning to 1 cup of water and stir until it dissolves.
13. Worcestershire sauce: add 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to 1 cup of warm water.
14. Tomato paste: add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste to 1 cup of warm water and stir. Consider adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
15. Beef Consommé: Consommé is often more flavorful and concentrated than bouillon, so you might need to dilute it with water to achieve the desired level of flavor.
See Also: 13 Fantastic Options To Substitute Fish Stock Perfectly
Homemade Bouillon Powder Recipe
Homemade Bouillon Powder Recipe
If you still haven’t found the right beef bouillon substitute, then I dare you to try this one. The homemade bouillon powder recipe is easy to make and it goes perfectly with any dish from stews to casseroles.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion or 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp fine-grain sea salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp coconut milk powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until it reaches a powdery consistency.
Step 2: Transfer the bouillon powder to a jar and keep it in a dark and cool place for a few months.
Notes
Use 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder as a substitute for one bouillon cube.
Anything Else?
Now that you have the list of 18 substitutes for beef bouillon, I’m pretty sure that you won’t need to go to the store in the middle of preparing your favorite dish.
Also, the homemade bouillon powder recipe is one of the best things since sliced bread. It’s easy to make, and it can be stored for months. I might as well go make another stash of this powder so that I don’t need to worry about running out of beef bouillon cubes or powder.
If you need more assistance with all this, let me know.
Best,
Zoey
