Although beef consomme is a classic European dish, it continues to be a staple in contemporary kitchens. This is a transparent liquid made from boiling stock or broth.
Egg whites can be added to the mixture to improve the flavor and create a soup-like dish. Beef consomme is more flavorful and tasty than broth. It may be obtained by long-term boiling of broth.
Beef consomme can be consumed as a side dish or used to make seafood, various types of meat, soups, and casseroles.
You can prepare it at home, but there are alternatives if you’d want a change or to stop drinking beef consomme.
There are several substitutes for this type of soup, among them vegetable broth, beef broth, beef stock, mushroom consomme, bone broth, Au Jus among others.
Covered in this context is a well-researched list of different types of broths, stocks, and sauces that you can make to replace beef consomme. We’ve also provided you with a top-chef beef consomme recipe that will make your dish more appealing.
Substitutes for Beef Consomme
Taking the same meal over and over again can be boring. Likewise, replacing beef consomme from the recipe can pose a great challenge as you try to figure out suitable replacements. With the listed options, however, you’ll get a chance to try out something new and sample the given choices, most of which are guaranteed to serve a similar nutritional purpose as beef consomme.
The list contains some of the most common vegetarian and meaty soups alternatives.
Beef Stock
Beef stock is the most popular substitute for beef consomme. You can either make it at home or get it in the form of beef bullion cubes.
For the first option, you’ll require beef bones of approximately 2 pounds or more, depending on the amount of stock you want to make.
You’ll then roast the beef bone in open heat for approximately 30 minutes. You should then put them inside a pot alongside other vegetables and add water. Leave the pot to simmer for 6 to 8 hours.
You can incorporate beef stock in any recipe that requires beef consomme.
Beef Broth
The next most recommended substitute for beef consomme is beef broth. It is a healthy alternative and serves a similar purpose as beef consomme.
It takes a shorter period to get it ready compared to beef stock.
The intensity of broth is lower than that of consomme, but the texture and taste can be mimicked through simmering for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The cooking process should be done under low heat.
Related: Does Beef Broth Go Bad? How to Store it Properly
Bouillon Cubes
These cubes are prepackaged and sold in stores. They offer a suitable alternative and are a good replacement for beef consomme in different recipes.
The cubes are made as a result of processing and storing stock as soluble blocks.
Bouillon cubes can be prepared on their own or added as complementary ingredients to beef consomme, stock, or broth.
You can also dissolve them in hot water and add the solution to your pot or consume it in that state.
Vegetable Broth
Over time, vegetable broth has gained immense popularity due to the health benefits derived from it and its ease of preparation. There’s an unlimited amount of ingredients to add to this broth. The flavor, texture, and smell that come with vegetable broth are among the factors that place it on the list of suitable substitutes for beef consomme.
There is no limit to the type or amount of seasoning to add to this type of broth. It is recommended for both vegetarians and meat lovers who want to take a break from meaty broth, stock, or consomme. It can also be added to other dishes to prevent dryness and enhance flavors.
Mushroom Consomme
Mushroom consomme is mostly used by vegans as a substitute for vegetable broth. It is suitable for replacing the beef consomme in all other recipes. The consomme gives you an umami flavor that’s both delicious and unique.
To prepare it at home, you’ll need porcini or fresh white mushrooms. You can also combine the two or other types of mushrooms for extra flavors.
Beer or Wine
These drinks can be used in the kitchen as much as they are used for beverages. You can add a few drops or teaspoons of wine or beer to your pot to enhance your food’s flavors and texture.
They are also great substitutes for beef consomme in a recipe.
The texture and flavors may differ but they’ll serve the intended purpose in your gravy, chili, stews, and other dishes.
While replacing beef consomme with beer or wine, it’s recommended to add ½ cup of beverages for every cup of beef consomme. You can top up the other half using water.
With the drinks, you’ll need to cook your food thoroughly to ensure that the alcohol in beer and wine is not too dominant over other flavors.
You should cook the food under low heat to prevent fire from spreading over the food due to the high flammability levels of the beverages.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another way to complement your meals. It is also a recommended alternative to beef consomme.
For each cup of consomme listed in the recipe, you can add a cup of soy sauce to your food. For better results, you can add water and stir the mixture to the desired texture.
Browning Sauce
This sauce is derived from mixing seasoning, vegetable concentration, and caramel color. It is a suitable substitute and flexible for use in different recipes.
The texture gained from browning sugar is deep, adding more flavor to your dishes. It makes your stews, meat, and soups thick and savory.
Demi-glace
Most French cuisines are made with demi-glace as part of the main ingredients. It can also be used as a substitute for beef consomme.
Demi-glace is created using brown sauce and brown stock in a traditional procedure. It can be used in stews, soups, and meat dishes.
Au Jus
This is another rich and flavor-packed French liquid that works well in place of beef consomme. It comes in handy during the preparation of meat.
Au Jus is known for its ability to turn a common meal into a juicy, soft, and savory dish. It enhances the tenderness of ribs, dip dishes, chicken, and other recipes.
Bone Broth
This is the liquid obtained from boiling bones in water for a certain period. You can use poultry, pork, beef, or other bones. The process involves simmering these bones between 8 to 12 hours. This enhances the breakdown of bone tissues which mix with the boiling water to form a bone broth. It can be used in a variety of recipes to make dishes such as gravies, sauces, soups, and others.
The main difference between beef consomme and bone broth is the texture since the latter is not as thick as consomme.
Commonly Asked Questions
How Can I Make Beef Consomme Out of Beef Broth?
The two are similar in many ways but they are not entirely the same thing. To make beef consomme out of beef broth, you can simmer it under low temperatures for 20 to 30 minutes. The results will be something close to beef consomme.
How Can I differentiate between Beef Consomme and Beef Broth?
As mentioned earlier, the texture of the liquid is the main factor to help you tell the two liquids apart.
The texture of beef consomme is thick and with a rich flavor, while that of beef broth is more liquidy with a milder taste.
What are the Available Substitutes for Condensed Beef Broth?
You can use red wine, chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef bouillon, and other choices listed earlier in this context. They serve the intended purpose and can be used to replace beef broth in a variety of recipes.
Recipe for Homemade Beef Consomme
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 1 thyme sprig
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- 4 stalks of celery
- 4 egg whites
- Ground beef stock (6 cups)
Cooking Instructions
- Put the egg whites in a large container and whisk them to a foamy texture.
- Add the ground beef, tomatoes, and celery into a food processor and run them several times.
- Put all your ingredients in one pot and boil on high heat.
- Keep stirring from time to time before reducing the cooking temperature.
- Leave it to cook for 30-40 minutes.
- Once cooked, sieve the liquid and season it before leaving it to cool down.
- Serve as a side dish beside the main course.
Final Thoughts
The most fulfilling thing about food is the availability of substitutes for different dishes. For beef consomme, there are over 10 other liquids you can use to replace it in recipes.
The outcome may not be entirely similar but is equally pleasant. Besides, making use of the substitutes gives you a chance to understand how they blend in with your favorite dishes. Who knows, you may end up liking them more than Beef Consomme.