Beef consommé is a richly flavored broth used to enhance soups, gravies, braised meats, and more. But its intricate preparation makes it impractical for most home cooks. If a recipe calls for beef consommé, don’t panic. You have several convenient substitutes on hand.
What is Beef Consommé?
Consommé is a French term meaning “complete” or “perfect.” True consommé is made by simmering beef broth with egg whites, ground meat, and aromatics. This process clarifies the broth, concentrating flavor and adding body.
The result is an intense beefy broth with a silky texture and deep amber color. Beef consommé adds luxurious flavor and richness to dishes without overpowering.
Why Substitute for Beef Consommé?
There are several reasons you may need a beef consommé substitute:
- Don’t have consommé on hand
- Short on time to make it from scratch
- Don’t want to buy pre-made consommé
- Need a vegetarian/vegan alternative
Luckily, you can mimic the flavor and texture of consommé with things you likely have in your pantry.
6 Easy Beef Consommé Substitutes
When a recipe calls for beef consommé, use one of these convenient substitutions:
1. Beef Broth
Beef broth is the easiest swap for beef consommé. It has a similar savory flavor. However, it won’t have quite the same intensity.
For best results, use homemade beef broth. Simmer it until reduced by half to concentrated flavor. Canned broth lacks richness.
Replace consommé 1:1 with beef broth. For extra flavor, add mushroom soaking liquid or a splash of soy sauce.
2. Mushroom Broth
Savory mushroom broth makes an excellent vegetarian/vegan beef consommé substitute. It provides rich umami flavor.
Simmer dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms in water until deeply flavored. Strain and use mushroom soaking liquid in place of consommé.
You can also use store-bought mushroom broth. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace consommé.
3. Beef Stock
Like broth, beef stock can substitute for consommé. However, stock is more intensely flavored. Use a 3:4 stock to consommé ratio to avoid overpowering the dish.
For best results, use homemade stock. Reduce by half to concentrate flavor before using.
4. Demi-Glace
Demi-glace is a French sauce made by simmering and reducing beef stock. The result is a thick, ultra-savory concentrate.
Mix 2 parts demi-glace with 1 part water to replace consommé. Add slowly until preferred flavor intensity.
5. Vegetable Broth
For a vegetarian/vegan option, use store-bought or homemade vegetable broth. Add soy sauce, mushrooms, or tomato paste for savory umami flavor.
Replace consommé 1:1 with vegetable broth. But taste and adjust flavor as needed.
6. Water + Umami Boosters
In a pinch, you can mimic beef consommé by adding umami-rich ingredients to water:
- Dried mushrooms + soaking liquid
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Tomato paste
- Dried seaweed
- Miso paste
- Nutritional yeast
- Caramelized onions
Simmer umami ingredients in water for an hour before using as you would consommé.
Beef Consommé Substitution Ratio Cheat Sheet
- Beef broth = 1:1 replacement
- Beef stock = 3:4 ratio (3 cups stock : 4 cups consommé)
- Demi-glace = 2:1 ratio (2 cups demi-glace : 1 cup water)
- Vegetable broth = 1:1 replacement
- Water + umami boosters = 1:1 replacement
Tips for Getting the Best Beef Consommé Substitute
- For broths and stocks, homemade is ideal for full, concentrated flavor.
- Reduce substitute by half to intensify flavor before using.
- Add mushrooms, tomato paste, or soy sauce to vegetarian substitutes for savory umami flavor.
- For water-based swaps, simmer ingredients at least 1 hour for full-bodied flavor.
- Add substitutes gradually until desired rich flavor is achieved.
- If sub seems too diluted, continue simmering until reduced and concentrated.
- For a silky texture, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry after simmering.
Sample Beef Consommé Substitute Recipes
Demi-Glace Sub:
- 1 cup demi-glace
- 1 cup water
- Pinch dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer 20 minutes until reduced. Discard bay leaf before using.
Mushroom Broth Sub:
- 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms
- 4 cups warm water
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
Soak mushrooms 30 minutes. Strain soaking liquid into pot. Simmer 45 minutes.
Vegetable Broth Sub:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
Simmer 30 minutes until well incorporated. Strain before using.
Time to Get Cooking!
Don’t let a call for beef consommé stop you from trying a new recipe. With a simple substitute from your kitchen, you can still achieve rich, savory flavor. Next time a recipe calls for consommé, try one of these easy swaps.