Beef base is an extremely useful ingredient to have in your pantry This concentrated, paste-like form of beef stock adds rich, meaty flavor to soups, stews, gravies, casseroles, and more But if you’ve never bought it before, beef base can be tricky to locate at the store. This guide will teach you exactly where to find beef base plus how to use it for delicious results.
What is Beef Base?
Before we dive into where beef base is located, let’s make sure we understand what it is Beef base goes by a few different names
- Beef soup base
- Beef broth base
- Beef concentrate
- Beef bouillon base
No matter what it’s labeled, beef base is essentially beef stock that has been slowly simmered until reduced down to a thick, concentrated paste. It packs a powerful punch of meaty umami flavor thanks to the following key ingredients used to make it:
- Beef bones
- Beef meat
- Aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion
- Sometimes tomatoes or tomato paste
- Spices and herbs
The paste form makes it easy to incorporate big beef taste without thinning out the liquid content of your dish. A little bit of beef base goes a long way!
So now that we know what beef base is, let’s find out the best places to locate it in the grocery store.
Check the Soup Aisle
The most obvious place to find beef base is in the soup aisle. Look for these types of products:
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Shelves stocked with liquid broths and stocks. Beef base will be sitting right alongside the beef and chicken broths.
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Small jars of paste and concentrated stocks. These are often on lower shelves.
Brands like Better Than Bouillon, Kitchen Basics, and Swanson sell their beef base products alongside their soup stocks. Check the upper and lower shelves thoroughly. Beef base jars are small and easy to miss!
Search the Spice Section
If you can’t find beef base in the soup aisle, head over to the spices. Many grocery stores stock beef base and similar flavor boosters near thebouillon cubes, gravy mixes, and seasoning packets.
Major brands like McCormick and Lawry’s sell beef base in the spice section. Look on the shelves near the garlic powder and onion flakes for the signature little jars.
This area may also have options like beef granules, beef flavor enhancers or natural flavor boosters that can work.
Check International and Hispanic Foods
Ethnic food aisles are a smart spot to search for beef base. Hispanic and Asian foods in particular often use bold, savory beef flavors in dishes like:
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Tamales
- Pho
- Ramen
Check products like:
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Knorr Concentrated Beef Stock – Sold in a small, rectangular box in the Hispanic foods.
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Aji-No-Moto Umami Seasoning – Japanese flavor enhancer often near Asian ingredients.
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Maggi Seasoning Sauce – Found by Southeast Asian foods, similar to liquid aminos.
While not pure beef base, these ingredients can impart deep savory flavor.
Ask for Help Locating It
If you still can’t turn up beef base anywhere, don’t be shy about asking store employees for help. Describe what you’re looking for or show a picture on your phone. The butcher counter may also carry beef bases or alternatives like demi-glace.
Grocery store staff are there to assist customers find what they need. They likely know exactly where beef base is shelved, even if it’s in an obscure spot.
Purchase Beef Base Online
When all else fails, you can always order beef base online. Amazon stocks a wide selection of popular brands that can be delivered right to your door.
Buying beef base online is also convenient if you use it frequently. Simply set up reoccurring deliveries so you never run out!
DIY Beef Base from Scratch
Another option is to make homemade beef stock and reduce it to form your own beef base:
- Simmer beef bones and meat scraps for 12-24 hours with vegetables.
- Strain out solids and simmer liquid uncovered until reduced by half or more.
- Continue reducing until you get a thick, concentrated paste.
- Store homemade beef base in the fridge or freezer.
It takes more effort, but you’ll save money and control all the ingredients. Homemade also tends to be more natural with less preservatives.
Tips for Using Beef Base
Once you’ve gotten your hands on some beef base, using it is a cinch. Here are some simple tips:
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Start small – A little beef base goes a long way. Start with 1/2 tsp per 1 cup liquid.
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Add to sauces – Whisk small amounts into pan sauces, gravies, and glazes.
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Boost flavor – Add it to the liquid when making rice, oatmeal or quinoa.
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Enhance veggies – Umami-rich beef base makes veggies like greens or beans taste meatier.
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Thicken stews – Mixing some paste-like beef base into the stew will add body.
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Substitute – Use in place of beef broth or stock in any amount.
Experiment and adjust amounts to suit your tastebuds. Beef base makes it easy to infuse recipes with the satisfying richness of beef whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about finding and using beef base? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What’s the difference between beef base, stock and broth?
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Beef base – Thick paste, very concentrated and intense flavor.
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Beef stock – Thin liquid, made from simmering bones and meat. Light beef flavor.
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Beef broth – Thin liquid, typically contains seasonings like salt, herbs and vegetables. More hearty flavor.
Is beef base gluten-free?
Most commercial beef bases are gluten-free, but always check the label to confirm. Homemade beef stock is naturally gluten-free.
How long does beef base last after opening?
An opened jar of beef base will last 4-6 months in the pantry or up to a year in the fridge. Homemade beef base keeps for 4 days chilled or 6 months frozen.
What’s the best way to substitute beef base?
Good substitutions include broth, stock, demi-glace, liquid aminos, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, nutritional yeast and mushrooms.
Can I use chicken or vegetable base instead of beef?
Yes, chicken and vegetable bases can be used, but the flavor will obviously be different. The umami intensity will still boost overall flavor.
Find Your Beef Base for Better Flavor
Now that you know where to find it and how to use it, don’t be afraid to stock up on beef base! It’s one of the simplest ways to add rich, meaty flavor to all types of dishes. A little beef base goes a long way towards enhancing soups, gravies, stews, casseroles, sauces and much more.
Keep your eyes peeled in the soup aisle, spice section, ethnic food aisles and anywhere else beefy flavor enhancers may be lurking. Finding beef base can take some sleuthing, but with the right techniques, you’ll have it in your cart and soon in your favorite recipes. Happy beef base hunting and cooking!