Some of the best beef consomme substitutes include beef stock, beef broth, vegetable broth, mushroom consomme, bouillon cubes, and liquid aminos.

What Is Beef Consomme?

Beef consomme is the concentrated clear soup made from beef bones, water, and egg whites, adds depth, flavor, and thickness to many dishes. While it originated in France and is served as an appetizer, beef consomme is an ingredient in many recipes as it enhances casseroles, side dishes, and other soups.

When you use one of these beef consomme replacements in a recipe, use the same measurements as you would for the beef consomme.

Recommended Beef Consomme Substitute

1. Beef Stock or Broth as a Beef Consomme Replacement

Beef stock is the base of beef consomme and, therefore, the most similar in taste and is the best substitute for beef consomme in most recipes. Beef broth is a close second replacement.

Beef Stock

Beef stock is a thick and rich soup that contains all the fat and impurities which is missing from beef consomme.

You can make beef stock or buy it ready-made. To make beef stock:

• Roast two pounds of beef bones in the oven for approximately half an hour.
• Add the bones to a large pot of water with onions, carrots, celery, and your choice of herbs.
• Simmer the bones and water for six to ten hours. The bones will release their collagen and form a thick soup.
• Remove the vegetables, herbs, and bones and use the stock as a replacement for the beef consomme.

You can buy concentrated beef stock in the supermarket in cans or in powder form. Use the beef stock as you would have used the beef consomme in any recipe, using the same measurements.

Beef Broth

If youre making a recipe from scratch, the advantage of making beef broth over beef stock or consomme is that it will take less time. Beef broth is similar to beef stock but has a less intense flavor since its not cooked for as long as the stock or consomme.

To make beef broth, simmer cuts of beef, usually shank or ribs, in a pot of water with onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and your choice herbs for about an hour. The broth will have a light meaty flavor. Strain the broth and use it in place of the consomme in your soups, gravies, or casserole recipes.

To create beef broth, cook beef chunks, generally shanks or ribs, in a saucepan of water with onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and herbs of your choosing for approximately an hour. The broth will taste light and beefy. Strain the broth and use it for consomme in soups, gravies, and casseroles.

Although you can substitute beef broth for consomme in any recipe, keep in mind that it is lighter in flavor but thinner, so dont try to make up for its flavor by adding more broth.

Since it is thinner than consomme, the texture of the dish might be a little different. You can use it in sauces, soup bases, casseroles, gravy, and stir fry dishes.

Cant find beef broth? See recommended beef broth alternatives.

2. Mushroom Consomme

Mushrooms have a deep umami flavor which makes them a good substitute for beef consomme in many recipes. For vegetarians, mushroom consomme is an ideal replacement for beef consomme.

You can find mushroom consomme in supermarkets, use a mushroom bouillon cube, or can make it at home. It will take less time to cook than the beef consomme.

To make a mushroom consomme:

• Beat three egg whites until they are foamy and set aside.
• Simmer for half an hour one quart of water or chicken stock, two chopped garlic cloves, and one half of an ounce of dried mushrooms such as porcini and salt and pepper to taste.
• Gently add the egg whites to the pot and bring to a simmer.
• Strain the broth through a cheesecloth and use it as a beef broth substitute.

To use the mushroom consomme as a substitute for beef consomme in recipes, use the same measurements and proportions.

3. Vegetable Stock

Another vegetarian replacement for beef consomme is vegetable stock. Although vegetable stock doesnt have the same intense, rich flavor, it takes less time to make than beef consomme and is a great option for those who dont eat meat.

You can buy ready-made vegetable stock or use a powder or bouillon cube and dissolve it in water for a short-on-time beef consomme replacement. Use the same measurements as you would with the beef consomme, keeping in mind that the consistency might be a little lighter than the consomme.

For a quick beef consomme alternative, use ready-made veggie stock or mix a powder or bouillon cube in water. Use the same measures as you would for beef consomme, however bear in mind that the consistency may be a touch lighter.

4. Liquid Aminos

Liquid aminos is made from fermented soybeans or coconut and has a rich umami flavor that makes it an excellent substitute for beef in recipes.

It is another vegetarian substitute and has the bonus of health benefits too. You can usually find liquid aminos in health food or specialty stores.

You cant eat liquid aminos plain, as with beef consomme, but it is a delicious substitute in stews, sauces, and casseroles.

5. Bouillon Cubes

If your recipe is using beef consomme as the liquid, you can substitute another flavored liquid to give it a similar consistency and taste. Bouillon cubes, made from dehydrated beef, chicken, or vegetables, can be dissolved in water or liquid to make an easy and flavorful broth.

To use a bouillon cube, dissolve it in the recommended amount of water and mix it well. Substitute an equal amount for the beef consomme.

The bouillon cubes work well in bases for soups, sauces, and gravies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for more information about beef consomme or using it in recipes? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.