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15 Best Beef Consommé Substitutes + Homemade Recipe for You

Beef consommé has gradually found its way into many kitchens as it is quick to prepare and very tasty. However, there are several other substitutes for this appetizer to combat monotony.

Consommé is a rich and extremely flavorful stock-like liquid integrated with egg whites to combat fats and other sediments.

In this article, we are going to discuss 15 different ways on how to substitute beef consommé.

What Can You Substitute for Beef Consommé?

Beef Consommé Substitute

Ordinary

Vegetarian

Beef broth

Beef stock
Beef bouillon cubes
Bouillon granules
Chicken stock
Fish stock
Demi-glace
Au-jus
Bone broth

Mushroom consommé
Vegetable broth
Vegan Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce

Water from Shiitake mushroom

French Onion Soup

1. Mushroom Consommé

mushroom consomme

This is among the most preferred gluten-free beef consommé substitutes. Mushrooms generally mimic meat and are ideal for vegetarians as a beef consommé alternative.

You require fresh or even dried mushroom pieces, then incorporate your preferred vegetables and go about the rest of the recipe as in beef consommé.

Porcini mushrooms bring out the best results, but you can combine other types with different textures and tastes.

2. Beef Stock

beef stock

To achieve perfect beef stock, roast your beef on the bone for around 30 minutes, then bring it to boil in a pot. It is best when simmered for up to 8 hours to achieve the full taste of the delicacy.

If you prefer, you can add one or two types of pre-steamed vegetables. Do not boil the vegetables in the stock as they will overcook and lose their nutritional value.

3. Vegetable Broth

vegetable broth

This is another vegetarian substitute for beef consommé. Vegetable broth is also among the quickest to prepare as it does not require long sessions of boiling or simmering.

Mix all your favorite vegetables, add some seasoning, then steam them for a maximum of 20 minutes, and voila! Your vegetable broth is ready!

4. Beef Broth

beef broth

Not to be confused with beef stock, beef broth is often cooked over a shorter time as compared to beef stock, also it involves chunks of beef brought to boiling in a pot with no bones.

You can add preferred seasoning to improve the taste of beef broth. And store beef broth in a refrigerator and use it in the preparation for beef consommé the next time. It’s quite a time saver.

So, how to substitute beef broth for beef consommé?

You need to simmer beef broth for 15-20 minutes to make it closer to beef consommé.

Read also:

5. Bouillon Cubes

bouillon cubes

Bouillon cubes are concentrated beef stock that has been made into solid cubes. They are usually dissolved in boiling water before use.

The taste is a bit tart, especially if you refrigerate them for too long. The advantage of bouillon cubes is that they save preparation time.

Do not store bouillon cubes stock for a long time as it may cause food poisoning.

6. Beer or Wine Sauce

red wine sauce

Did you know that alcoholic drinks such as beer or wine have versatile uses in the kitchen? One of them is the preparation of appetizers.

Use beer or wine for cooking stews or sauce to substitute beef consommé.

However, remember that alcohol needs to be processed thoroughly before consumption; hence, mixing half wine or beer portions with water of the same quantity before use is recommended. Use low heat for uniform and thorough cooking.

7. Soy Sauce

pouring soy sauce

Soy sauce is another great way to mimic beef consommé.

Dilute the sauce with half a portion of water, then add a tablespoon or two of previously cooked beef consommé to integrate the taste. Simmer for up to 30 minutes, and your perfectly brown sauce is ready to serve.

8. Demi-glace Sauce

demi-glace sauce

The demi-glace is a French-originated cuisine that is commonly served as a starter. It works wonders as an alternative to beef consommé.

Generally, it is a mixture of brown sauce and brown stock. It is rich in taste and flavor, especially when seasoning is added to it. You can add vegetables such as carrots or even potatoes to achieve a thick consistency, and then simmer for up to 15 minutes, sieve, and enjoy.

9. Browning Sauce

browning sauce

As the name suggests, browning sauce is a mixture of vegetable seasoning with caramel or light brown food coloring. It is then added to meat or vegetable stews if you serve vegetarians.

The caramel food coloring gives it a rich brown appetizing color. It can be easily confused with beef consommé from its sweet-tart flavor.

10. Bone Soup/Broth

bone broth

After boiling bones, the broth collected can be used as a perfect substitute for beef consommé. The bones can be obtained from pork, beef, or even poultry.

This recipe can cause impatience as the bones have to be simmered for at least one day. This is to enable the tissues and cartilage to drop from the bone. The boiled bones can be stored safely as they can be used for re-boiling on a different day.

Note that this kind of soup is usually fatty or oily as the bones contain bone marrow which contains fat. It may not be ideal for those watching their weight.

11. Fish Stock

fish stock

This is another interesting beef consommé substitute. Fish stock is very easy to make as it involves boiling and seasoning fish.

However the fish should be fresh and not dried or smoked. Smoked fish ruins the taste of the stock. It is also a healthier option for those who prefer white meat only.

12. Au Jus Sauce

au jus sauce

Au jus sauce is another French originated substitute for beef consommé. It is basically beef stock with garlic, onions, and soy. It can be used as an appetizer, dip dish, or fish recipe.

Be sure to blend the ingredients before simmering to achieve a strong taste of the herbs, as Worcestershire sauce by itself does not have that eminent flavor.

13. Worcestershire Sauce

worcestershire sauce

When mixed with vegetables, bay leaves, onions, and garlic, the Worcestershire sauce makes another perfect replacement for beef consommé.

It is less salty than soy sauce; hence does not have that deep tat taste and is ideal for small children.

14. Shiitake Mushroom

If you had planned to prepare beef consommé as part of the main dish, then shiitake mushroom is your best bet.

Use dried mushrooms, boil them together with vegetables and seasoning; you can add some little oil.

Remember, the sauce won’t be as thick as when you use fresh mushrooms, but it is equally good. Shiitake mushroom sauce can be used as an appetizer or as dish dips.

15. Bouillon Granules

If you do not like bouillon cubes, you can try the granules. They are made from different flavors, such as beef, vegetables, or even chicken.

Bouillon granules are a healthier version of imitating the meaty taste in beef consommé.

However, they do not have a very natural taste of meat as they are chemically processed and preserved.

Do you have an idea on how to make a nice beef consommé? Below is a recipe of a homemade beef consommé that you can try:

homemade beef stock

Homemade Beef Consommé

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Your easiest homemade beef consommé recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound premium ground sirloin steak, shank, or shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon of crushed black peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons salt or as preferred
  • 3 large Roma tomatoes, chop them into small equal parts
  • 4 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
  • 6 cups cold veal stock, or beef stock
  • 4 large egg whites, plus eggshells
  • 1 sprig of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Chop the vegetables and the beef, then put them aside in a separate bowl.

2. Collect all the ingredients together.

3. Whisk the eggs with the peppercorn until they are well blended.

4. Add the tomatoes, celery, and beef and mix again, preferably in a food processor or blender.

5. Combine the mixture with the stock, thyme, and salt and leave for about 5 minutes.

6. Put the mixture in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.

7. Keep stirring until it begins to form a cloudy precipitate. You can then stop.

8. Once thoroughly cooked, let it cool for a few minutes, then strain using a mesh cloth. Do not use a tea strainer, as this may allow some particles to pass through. You can use cheesecloth as well.

9. Warm your beef consommé again and serve when hot. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 985Total Fat: 47gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 440mgSodium: 1699mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 126g

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Be sure to leave a comment and rating below. I appreciate your feedback!

FAQs About Beef Consommé?

Where can I buy beef consommé?

You can purchase beef consommé on most online platforms such as Amazon, alternatively check for some at your nearest supermarket or grocery store.

Be sure to confirm the expiry dates and check if the packing container is properly sealed.

Is beef consommé the same as beef broth?

No! Beef broth is the liquid obtained from simmering whole meats while beef consommé is a mixture of beef broth and egg whites blended together with other ingredients.

Is beef consommé gluten free?

Yes, beef consommé is absolutely gluten free and a healthy alternative for those looking forward to cutting weight. It does not contain any oils or fat.

Final Words

Having learned about the different ways to prepare substitutes for beef consommé, I bet nothing should hold you back. Be creative as you want to be in the kitchen; your imagination only limits you.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Let us know in the comments section what you liked most. Kindly like and share with friends and family and let them enjoy it too.

I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

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