As a home cook who loves whipping up soups, stews, and sauces, I rely heavily on bouillon cubes to add that savory umami flavor. But when I’m trying to cut back on sodium or make a veggie dish, those beef bouillon cubes don’t always fit the bill. Over the years, I’ve discovered some great substitutes that provide plenty of flavor without the beef bouillon.
Why Find a Beef Bouillon Substitute?
Before we dive into the substitutes, let’s quickly go over why you might want an alternative to beef bouillon in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons:
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You’re cutting back on sodium. Bouillon cubes tend to be very high in sodium, so avoiding them can help reduce your overall sodium intake
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You’re making a vegetarian or vegan dish. Beef bouillon contains beef extracts, so it’s not suitable for vegetarian/vegan cooking.
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You don’t have any on hand Maybe you find yourself mid-recipe without any bouillon cubes in the pantry Time to improvise!
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You want more flavor variety. While beef bouillon tastes great, it can get kinda boring using it every time. Substitutes add new dimensions.
7 Tasty Beef Bouillon Substitutes
Now let’s look at what you can use instead of beef bouillon to pump up the flavor! I’ve arranged these from easiest swaps to more creative substitutions.
1. Beef Broth or Stock
An obvious replacement, beef broth or stock imparts very similar flavors to bouillon cubes since they’re made from the same ingredients. For every 1 bouillon cube, substitute 1 cup broth or stock and reduce added salt.
2. Chicken Broth or Stock
With its savory meaty notes, chicken broth or stock makes a great flavor stand-in for beef bouillon. Use a 50/50 mix with vegetable broth for extra richness.
3. Vegetable Broth or Stock
For vegetarian/vegan dishes, opt for vegetable broth or stock to provide deep savory umami tones without any beef products. Mushroom broth also works nicely.
4. Tomato Paste
I know it sounds odd, but tomato paste can actually substitute for bouillon thanks to its rich, concentrated savory flavors. Use about 1 tablespoon paste per cube.
5. Worcestershire Sauce
The bold umami taste of Worcestershire sauce makes it an ideal bouillon pinch hitter. Start with 1 teaspoon per cube and adjust to taste.
6. Mushroom Powder
This natural umami bomb adds tons of meaty flavor. Whisk 1 teaspoon powder into dishes for each bouillon cube called for.
7. Miso Paste
A touch of mellow miso paste gives the same meaty depth as beef bouillon. Use about 1 teaspoon miso per cube, adding to taste.
Bouillon Substitute Recipes ~ Bouillon Cube Alternatives
FAQ
What can I use instead of a bouillon cube?
What’s similar to beef bouillon?
What is a substitute for beef stock cubes?
What is the best substitute for beef bouillon?
That’s why beef broth is definitely the best substitute for beef bouillon. • 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.
Can you substitute beef bouillon cubes for beef broth?
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.
Is mushroom broth a good substitute for beef bouillon?
Mushroom broth is a flavorful and nutritious alternative to beef bouillon. It’s made by simmering mushrooms, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices in water for several hours. The result is an earthy-tasting liquid that can be used as a base for soups or stews. Mushroom broth has a rich umami flavor that adds depth to any dish it’s added to.
What is a healthier alternative to bouillon cubes?
As a result, many people are looking for a healthier alternative to bouillon cubes. One option is to use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes. Beef broth is lower in sodium and fat than bouillon cubes, and it doesn’t contain MSG. Plus, beef broth is easy to find in most grocery stores. Another option is to make your own beef broth at home.
