Beef consommé is a popular traditional meal that goes back to medieval times and it is still popular nowadays. Beef consommé is a clear liquid that is prepared from simmering stock or broth. The consommé is full of flavour, rich in stock and includes egg whites giving a clear liquid that is usually served as a soup. The consommé is better than broth and you can make it if you simmer your broth for a longer period of time. Beef consommé can also be used as a basis when you are preparing meat or seafood, casseroles, soups or even as a side dish. Making your own beef consommé at home is always a good option but if you are not up for it and need an alternative, below are some of your best substitutes for beef consommé.
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Beef Stock
The first recommended beef consommé substitute is beef broth. This is one of your best alternative. You can find beef stock as beef bullion cubes or you can make some at home. If you decide to make some beef stock at home it takes about 2 pounds of beef bone to be roasted for 30 minutes, add them in a pot with water and vegetables that you prefer and simmer the bones for about 8 hours. Beef stock can be used in any dish that requires beef consommé.
Beef Broth
Another alternative when it comes to substituting beef consommé is beef broth. Beef broth is a great alternative option that can be used in place of beef consommé. Also, the beef broth can be cooked for a much shorter period of time compared to the beef stock plus broth has less intensity than the beef consommé, but you can mimic its taste and texture if you simmer the broth on a low heat for a few minutes, approximately 15-30 mins. You can use beef broth as a substitute for most recipes that need beef stock or beef consommé.
Bouillon Cubes
Also, on our list of good alternatives for beef consommé are bouillon cubes. Bouillon cubes are also one of your best options when it comes to replacing beef consommé in your recipe. Bouillon cubes can last for a long period of time if you store them properly. These cubes are used in most recipes as a replacement since they are practically stock that is made into cubes. One bouillon cube can be used for a cup of beef consommé. Simply dissolve the cube into boiled water before using it in your recipe. Cubes are commonly used as stock that serve as a perfect substitute for beef consommé. You can also add some of your favourite vegetables in order to add more taste and a nice smell to your meal. Bouillon cubes can be used to add some seasoning in order to bring a nice touch to your meal.
Mushroom Consommé
When it comes to replacing beef consommé with a vegetarian option consider mushroom consommé. Mushroom consommé can be used in many recipes as a replacement for beef consommé. By using mushrooms you will get a unique umami flavour that will make your meal delicious and tasty. Also making your own mushroom consommé at home is not difficult. Simply make use of some fresh white or porcini mushrooms to get the taste you are looking for. You can choose to combine your mushrooms in order to add some extra flavours.
Alcoholic Beverages
Also on our list of perfect substitutes for beef consommé are alcoholic beverages. Wine and Beer are your best alternatives and are not only used as beverages, but they can add nice tones to your meals. Wine and beer are two types of beverages that can be a good replacement for your beef consommé. As much as they may have a different texture, they are usually used in stews, chilli or gravy. Simply use half a glass of wine or beer with some water as an alternative for beef consommé in your recipe. You need to cook your meal properly because the alcohol needs to be processed thoroughly. Also, keep in mind the heat that you are cooking with so that you do not cause any incidents with the alcohol. You can use either wine of beer in place of beef consommé for any dish that may require some beef consommé.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is also worth considering when you need a substitute for beef consommé. You only need a tablespoon to imitate the taste of beef consommé. You can also combine your soy sauce with water and stir it well. One cup of soy sauce for a cup of beef consommé should be sufficient. You can use soya sauce in almost any dish that requires the use of beef consommé.
Demi-glace
Also on our list of beef consommé substitutes is Demi-glace. Demi-glace is a sauce that is commonly used in French cuisine and it is a perfect sauce that can be used in place of beef consommé. Demi-glace is traditionally made from brown stock and brown sauce. You can apply it in soups, stews or you can add it when making a recipe with meat. It is a nice rich liquid that can be used as a replacement for beef consommé in any dish that may require it. Demi-glace is commonly used in the process of preparing meat, and it makes the meat soft, juicy and tasty. You can use demi-glace as part of a dip dish, or ribs, and you can add it with roasted chicken as well as noodles.
Bone Broth
Lastly, bone broth can be used in place of beef consommé. It is the actual liquid that comes out of the boiling bones in water. You can use beef, pork or poultry bones to make bone broth. In order to make bone broth simmer your choice of bones for almost a day until the tissues of the bones break down and fill the liquid. It can be used in soups, sauces and gravies and can be a perfect alternative for beef consommé. Bone broth may not be as thick as the beef consommé but you can use it as replacement in many recipes.
