SaurabhBeef consomme is a traditional meal that dates from medieval Europe is still popular nowadays. It is actually a clear liquid that is made from simmering stock or broth.
This consomme is a very flavorful rich stock in which there are egg whites and the resulting product is a clear liquid that is usually served as a soup. It is better than broth and that can be reached if you simmer the broth for a longer period.
Beef consomme can be also used as a basis in the process of cooking meat or seafood, casseroles, soups or even as a side dish. The homemade option is always a good idea, but if you are not up for it and you are looking for a way to replace it in your cooking, is there something else?
Well yes! Actually, the best Substitutes for Beef Consomme are Beef stock, Beef broth, Bouillon Cubes, Vegetable broth, Mushroom consomme, Wine or Beer, Soy Sauce, Browning sauce, Demi-glace, Au Jus and Bone broth.
Besides, we have also the best homemade recipe for beef consomme, so do not hesitate, scroll down and find out more on our top picks.
Substitutes for Beef Consomme
It may be a bit harder to replace beef consomme in most recipes, but you can always choose from these options below. On our list, you’ll find meaty based alternatives as well as a vegetarian for those who want to avoid using meat in their meals.
1. Beef stock
The first option that you can use as a substitute for beef consomme is actually beef stock. You can find it as beef bullion cubes or you can also make it at home. The home-made option takes about 2 pounds of beef bone to be roasted for 30 minutes.
Afterwards, you’ll need to add them in a pot with water and other vegetables that you like and simmer the bones for 8 hours. The beef stock is always a good option to replace beef consomme in many recipes.
2. Beef broth
Another option that we recommend is beef broth which is a great alternative to be used for beef consomme. This broth is actually cooked for a shorter period of time than the stock. Broth actually has less intensity than the consomme, but you can mimic the taste and texture if you simmer the broth on a low heat for about 15-30 mins. Use as a substitute for most of the recipes that require beef consumption.
3. Bouillon Cubes
These packed bouillon cubes are another way to replace beef consomme in your recipe. They can last for months if you keep them properly. They can be used in most of the recipes as a replacement since they are practically stock that is made into cubes.
You can use a bouillon cube for a cup of beef consomme. You can dissolve the cube into boiled water before using it in your recipe.
4. Vegetable broth
A very commonly used stock that can serve as a perfect substitute for beef consomme. You can just use all of your favourite vegetables which will add to your broth more taste and a very nice smell. You can always add more seasoning which brings a nice touch to your broth. You can add a cup of vegetable broth for a cup of beef consomme.
5. Mushroom consomme
Another vegetarian option besides the vegetable broth, we recommend the mushroom consomme which you can use in many recipes as a replacement for beef consomme. This way by using mushrooms you’ll get that unique umami flavour that will make your meal very tasty.
You can always make one at home and all you need is some fresh white or porcini mushrooms to get the taste you are looking for. You can choose to combine mushrooms to add extra flavours.
6. Wine or Beer
Wine and Beer are not only used as beverages, but they can add nice tones to your meal in the process of cooking. These two types of beverages can be a good replacement for the beef consomme. Even though they have a bit different texture, they are usually used in stews, chilli or gravy.
Use half wine or beer with water to replace beef consomme in your recipe. You need to cook properly because the alcohol needs to be processed thoroughly. Also, keep in mind the heat that you are cooking on so you won’t cause any incidents with the alcohol.
7. Soy Sauce
The soy sauce can also be used as a substitute for beef consomme from which you’ll need just a tablespoon to imitate the taste. You can always combine it with water and stir it well. Use 1 cup of soy sauce for a cup of beef consomme.
8. Browning sauce
The browning sauce is actually a mixture of caramel colour with vegetable concentration and seasoning, which can be a good replacement for beef consomme. This is something that you can use when making recipes that include meat so you can add deeper texture and flavour, as well as to soups or stews.
This browning sauce has a sweet-tart flavour which can be similar to the beef consomme. You can substitute by adding 1 cup of water and a tablespoon of browning sauce to substitute in a recipe.
9. Demi-glace
Demi-glace is a sauce that is used commonly in French cuisine and is a type of sauce that can be used as a replacement for beef consomme. It’s traditionally made from brown stock and brown sauce. You can use demi-glace with soups, stews or you can always add it when making a recipe with meat.
10. Au Jus
A nice French, rich liquid that can be used as a replacement for beef consomme is the Au jus. When compared, beef consomme is the actual dish whereas the au jus is the liquid out the meat dish.
It is usually used in the process of preparing meat, which makes the meat very soft, juicy and mouthwatering. It can be used also as part of a dip dish, ribs, you can add it with roasted chicken, noodles and many more recipes.
11. Bone broth
Bone broth is the actual liquid that comes out of the boiling bones in the water. You can use beef, pork or poultry bones to make this liquid broth. The bones have to be simmered for almost a day until the tissues of the bones break down and fill the liquid.
It is usually used in soups, sauces and gravies and can serve as a great alternative for beef consomme. The difference of course is in the texture, the bone broth is not as thick as the beef consomme. You can use it as a replacement in many recipes.
Related questions:
How do you turn beef broth into beef consomme?
The beef broth and the beef consomme are very similar. In order to turn into each other is to simmer the broth on low heat for additional 15- 30 minutes until it reduces and comes very close to consomme.
What is the difference between beef broth and beef consomme?
The difference is in the thickness between the beef broth and consomme. Beef consomme is thicker in its texture and richer, whereas the beef broth has a milder taste and is more liquidy.
Is consomme the same as bouillon?
They are similar but have their differences. Bouillon is used with broth and a consomme is actually a clear liquid that is usually made with homemade stock and egg whites.
What can I use instead of condensed beef broth?
Actually, there are a few options that you can use as a substitute for beef broth. You can always use beef bouillon, vegetable broth, browning sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth or red wine. This way you’ll achieve and get to the taste you are looking for.
Home-made Beef Consomme
You’ll make a nice consomme which can serve you in many recipes and even stock it for further use.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of beef stock ground beef
- 4 egg whites
- 4 celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 4 small tomatoes
Instructions
- You can start off by whisking off the eggs in a large bowl. Whisk until they get a foamy texture.
- Next, place the celery, tomatoes, and ground beef into a food processor and process them a few times.
- Afterward, put all the ingredients together in a pot on high heat and stir until it starts boiling.
- Then, reduce the heat and cook for an additional 40 minutes.
- You can take off the pot from the heat and pour the liquid through a mesh sieve.
- Season it and put it in a bowl so it can cool down and use it later.
Notes
Besides our list with all the alternatives that can help you substitute beef consomme, there is another option that we can offer you as well. The best option is always to make it at home. This easy recipe for beef consomme is something that you can consider as the first alternative when you are out of beef consomme.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 67Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 544mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
