Cooks have plenty of options when looking for a substitute for beef broth.
Beef broth is paramount to many recipes, from stews and soups to braised meats. If you find yourself without any beef broth on hand, or if you are looking for a vegetarian alternative, there are many options that can be easily substituted without drastically changing the flavor of the recipe.
Mushroom Broth
The best vegetarian alternative to beef broth, mushroom broth will add the same savory, deep flavor of beef, while adding its own unique earthiness. Mushroom broth can be found in grocery stores or you can make your own. Dried or fresh mushrooms of any type can be used, or a combination of both for a more complex flavor. Simmer with water, wine, and herbs for one hour, strain, and use.
Veal Broth
For a flavor similar to beef but more delicate, veal broth can be substituted in any recipe. It is less aggressive in taste than beef broth, so other ingredients may have to be adjusted to compensate for the more nuanced broth flavor. Veal broth can be difficult to find, but can be made at home with veal bones from your local butcher.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is easy to find and therefore is often substituted for other types of broth in cooking, including beef broth. It also has a fairly mild, neutral flavor that goes well with many dishes and is less assertive than beef broth. While chicken broth can be found just about anywhere, it is easy to make at home: simply simmer chicken meat and bones with aromatics and vegetables, then strain.
Vegetable Broth
The most mild and neutral alternative to beef broth, vegetable broth can be used in any recipe, though it adds significantly less assertive flavors than beef or chicken broth. If making the broth at home, this can be compensated for somewhat by browning or roasting the vegetables before simmering them, and adding a small amount of tomato paste. This will add a deeper, more pronounced flavor to the broth.
Bouillon Cubes
If you have no liquid broth on hand, bouillon cubes, which are cubes of dehydrated vegetable and meat flavors, are always an option. Having some on hand is a good idea, since they take up almost no room in the pantry, and can be used in a pinch by simply adding to water. Bouillon cubes come in all the same flavors as broths and stocks and can be used as alternatives in all recipes.
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