21 Perfect Beef Consomme Substitutes For A Unique Texture

Most commonly served as a soup or appetizer, beef consommé is a liquid full of incense flavors. Originally invented by the French, beef consommé is a hugely popular dish most loved for its delicious flavor.

Possessing a unique texture and thickness, it also offers great versatility when it comes to cooking.

It can be added to casseroles, included in a wide range of side dishes, eaten as a soup, and even used to make aspic (a savory jelly). 

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that many people use it in the kitchen. However, if you can’t make beef consommé or simply need an alternative, you’re going to need a substitute and a good one at that.

Luckily for you, we have everything you need. In this post, we’ll provide you with 3 excellent substitutes and a great recipe that will help you make your own beef consommé.

Let’s get started!

What Is Beef Consommé?

Before we take a look at three substitutes and our recipe, let’s first develop a better understanding of what beef consommé actually is.

At first, beef consommé is a rich stock full of flavor. This is before the stock is reduced using egg whites. This helps to remove any fat and sediments from the stock.

The end result is an intense tasting, clear liquid that can then be used in many ways. 

The most popular of these is as a soup or appetizer. With a more unique texture and thickness, beef consommé is very different from the everyday broths we normally use.

Although beef consommé is versatile and full of flavor, making our own can be very time-consuming. Taking several hours, using a substitute can be a lot easier. That is why we’ll provide you with both in this post.

The Best Beef Consommé Substitutes

Now you know more about what beef conssomé is and why you might need a suitable substitute instead, we can start to look at the best three substitutes you can use.

In the next part of this post, you’ll find a brief description of each substitute and directions on how to go about substituting each one for beef consommé.

We’ll start by taking a look at beef stock!

Nutritional Table

1. Beef Stock

If you don’t have any beef consommé in your kitchen or don’t have several hours to make a homemade one, beef stock is easily your best option. 

The perfect backup, beef stock not only offers great meaty flavor but also offers a very quick fix. Ready in a matter of minutes, all you’ll need to make your beef stock is a packet of beef stock and hot water. 

This will save you plenty of time and let you carry on with the rest of your cooking. The only downside with this substitute is that the flavors won’t be as tasty or intense as when you make your own beef consommé.

You can use any variety of beef stock as a beef conssomé substitute but in our opinion, beef bouillon cubes are the best. For us, they offer the closest flavors to beef conssomé. 

How To Substitute

Substituting beef stock for beef consommé couldn’t be any easier if you use a ready-to-go packet. Simply put the stock in hot water and stir it until you’re left with a thick, meaty mixture. Alternatively, you can add the stock cube straight into a hot sauce and stir.

2. Beef Broth

The next beef consommé substitute in this guide is beef broth. Beef broth is a suitable beef consommé substitute for many reasons.

First of all, it provides you with that meaty, thick soup-like texture we all seek. Secondly, it’s very easy to prepare, and finally, it takes a lot less time to make than beef consommé.

Of course, the flavors and overall texture of the beef broth won’t be the same but if you need a solution in a pinch, you can’t go wrong. 

Besides, all you really lose with a beef broth is the intensity of the beef consommé.

Having said that, another excellent thing about beef broth is that by cooking it the right way, we can reduce the differences between the two flavors so that they both taste quite similar.

How To Substitute

Using a beef broth as a substitute for beef consommé is also easily done. A much closer flavor profile can also be achieved too. To make a substitute that tastes very similar to beef consommé, you should simmer the beef broth on low heat for 15-30 minutes.

3. Mushroom Consommé

Finally, another brilliant beef consommé substitute is mushroom consommé. Mushroom consommé offers a vegetarian, plant-based alternative beef consommé, making it perfect for those following a plant-based diet and vegetarians.

Having said that, thanks to its great flavor, anyone can use mushroom consommé to replace beef consommé. The reason for this is pretty simple. The mushrooms mimic the umami flavors typically offered by beef. 

You can buy mushroom consommé bases in various stores and online but for the best results, you should try and make your own.

There are plenty of great recipes to follow but we like this one from the NY Times. This recipe uses porcini and fresh white to make a wonderfully flavored consommé. 

How To Substitute

Once you’ve made your mushroom consommé, substituting it for beef consommé is incredibly easy. In fact, it might be the easiest out of the three. This is because you can use mushroom consommé in exactly the same amounts as beef consommé.

4. Bouillon Cubes

Most people know that bouillon cubes are a convenient way to substitute beef consomme without having to cook beef. You can use the bouillon cubes and the liquid from the cans to make a beef consomme.

Suppose you want to save on the cost of beef consomme, substitute bouillon cubes for the beef consomme. You can use bouillon cubes, typically used for soup, or broth cubes made for convenience.

How To Substitute

You can use the same bouillon cubes as the recipe calls for beef consomme.

5. Vegetable Broth

One of the best ways to substitute beef consomme with vegetable broth is prepared with to add onion, carrot, and celery to the broth.

Beef consomme is made from beef stock and beef drippings, usually discarded. You can prepare Vegetable broth from vegetable stock and vegetables, including n anything from carrots to zucchini.

Vegetable broth is often lighter than beef consomme and does not have the same flavor.

How To Substitute

You may substitute the vegetable broth in a substitution ratio of 1:1.

6. Beer

Beer is a tasty and savory alternative to beef consomme. By using any popular beer, you can enjoy it with bread, as a soup, or even as a stew.

To make a beer-based soup, one must start with the right beer. For example, amber ale is a perfect substitute for beef consomme because it is rich in hops.

When cooking, use an aromatic beer such as a porter, stout, or amber ale. For the best flavor, try using a dark beer like Guinness Stout or a red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

How To Substitute

If you are comfortable adding beer to your recipe, use it in a 1:1 ratio or start by adding a small amount.

7. Soy Sauce

Beef consomme is a flavorful, rich soup made from beef broth, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and water, which is the first step in making soy sauce.

Soy sauce is a liquid seasoning made from fermented soybeans combined with wheat, wheat bran, and water. It has a light salty taste and a dark brown color.

You may use soy sauce to replace beef consomme in various recipes.

How To Substitute

You can use beef consomme to get a similar taste profile in your recipe.

8. Browning Sauce

Browning Sauce is a thick, rich, and velvety-smooth beef consomme. It’s made with roasted beef bones and water, tomato puree, butter, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and celery salt.

The result is a flavorful, robust soup that’s a great stand-in for beef consomme. Browning sauce is commonly used in North American dishes, such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

How To Substitute

Mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of browning sauce and substitute the mixture in 1: a ratio with beef consomme.

9. Demi-Glace

Demi-glace is a rich, concentrated sauce from beef stock and brown gravy.

It’s usually used to make classic French dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Filet Mignon. Still, it can also be used as a flavor enhancer, in other words, like roasted meats, vegetables, and even risotto.

Remember that demi-glace is very concentrated, so add a little water to thin it out if needed. You can also adjust the amount you use depending on how much flavor you want to add to your dish.

How To Substitute

To substitute beef consomme with demi-glace, use an equal amount of the sauce in place of the consomme. You may thin the demi-glace before using it in your recipe.

10. Au Jus

Beef consomme is a thick and rich beef soup. It’s usually served with beef or veal cut into cubes and is often found in Italian cuisine.

It’s rich in flavor and can be used to make various dishes, including beef stroganoff and cream of beef soup.

Au Jus is a thicker sauce made with beef broth, vegetables, and herbs and works exceptionally well in various recipes like soups, stews, and gravy dishes.

How To Substitute

You may use the au jus to replace beef consomme in equal quantity to get the exact taste profile.

RELATED: 23 Outstanding Beef Broth Substitutes And How To Use Them

11. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich substitute to replace bone broth in recipes such as soups, stews, sauces, etc., to make a flavorful addition to your recipe for a better result.

Bone broth is made by simmering the bones, cartilage, and other tissues of animals for many hours in water or stock.

Bone broth has been used for centuries as a traditional food and medicine. It is the liquid left over after cooking meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables in water.

How To Substitute

If you want to substitute beef consomme with bone broth, go for an equal substitution ratio to get a similar taste profile.

12. Chicken Consommé

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty soup for dinner tonight but don’t have any beef consomme on hand, never fear!

You can easily substitute chicken consomme in its place. Just follow these simple steps

First, sauté some chopped onion and garlic in a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Once the onion is softened, add your chicken consomme and other desired ingredients (veggies, rice, pasta, etc.). Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook until everything is cooked through.

That’s it! You now have a delicious, homemade chicken soup that your whole family will love. Enjoy!

How To Substitute

Use chicken consomme to replace beef consomme equally.

13. Bouillon Granules

A beef consomme is a rich, flavorful broth made with beef bones and vegetables commonly served as the base for many classic French dishes.

You can substitute the beef consomme with beef bouillon granules.

Beef bouillon granules are small, granular, dehydrated pieces of beef that are already pre-browned.

Add a packet of these granules to your soup, and you’ll have a great flavor with a much shorter cook time.

How To Substitute

You may start by adding a little amount in your recipe to replace the beef consomme. Then, you can increase the quantity depending on the flavor you try to achieve.

14. Worcestershire Sauce

If you’re looking for a beef consomme substitute, Worcestershire sauce is a good option. This sauce is made from various ingredients, including anchovies, vinegar, and spices.

Its flavor is strong, so very little quantity will work for your recipe. However, if you’re looking to add a savory, umami-rich flavor to your dish without using beef consomme, Worcestershire sauce is a great substitute.

It is prepared with vinegar, anchovies, garlic, and other spices. Worcestershire sauce can add depth of flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and more.

How To Substitute

When substituting Worcestershire sauce for beef consomme, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

15. Fish Stock

You might want to substitute beef consomme with fish stock for many reasons. 

Perhaps you’re trying to create a more health-conscious dish or catering to someone with a seafood allergy. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to make this substitution.

You can usually find the fish stock in the same section of the grocery store as the beef consomme, or you can make your own at home.

If you’re making your own, simmer fish bones and scraps in water for a few hours, then strain the liquid.

Your dish will now have a light, delicate flavor that is perfect for seafood or fish dishes. Enjoy!

How To Substitute

Replace the beef consomme with an equal amount of fish stock.

16. Liquid Aminos

There are many reasons for vegetarians and vegans to use the soy-based sauce as a substitute for beef consomme. Liquid Aminos, a soy sauce alternative, can be used in recipes for soups, stews, sauces, and more.

Liquid Aminos are a mixture of soybeans, water, salt, and natural and artificial flavorings. The product is gluten-free, low in sodium, and available at most grocery stores.

How To Substitute

You may use the liquid aminos by mixing it with water or itself in your recipe in an equal amount.

17. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is one of the world’s most classic and comforting dishes. It is prepared with caramelized onions, melted butter, and a rich broth, and this soup is the perfect comfort food.

You will get a rich, sweet onion flavor with a complex flavor profile. 

The best part about French Onion Soup is that it can be served in many different ways. For example, you may use it as a substitute for fulfilling the shortening of beef consomme.

How To Substitute

Use french onion soup in a 1:1 ratio to substitute beef consomme. However, due to its taste, you have to change other ingredients.

18. Water From Shiitake Mushroom

Water from shiitake mushrooms is a great option when finding a substitute for beef consomme. This type of water is often used in Asian cuisine and can be easily found in most Asian markets.

The water has a rich, beefy flavor that makes it perfect for substituting in recipes that call for beef consomme. Additionally, it is a healthy option low in calories and fat.

How To Substitute

You may use an equal quantity of beef consomme for water from the shiitake mushroom and change other ingredients for a better outcome from your recipe.

19. Chicken Stock

Beef consomme is a soup made from beef bones, meat, and vegetables that is simmered for hours in a stock pot. A substitute for this type of soup is to use chicken stock.

Chicken stock is made from the cooking broth of chicken meat, chicken carcass, and boiled vegetables until they break down. It is then cooled and strained before being frozen.

You may use the chicken stock to fulfill the beef consomme shortening in your recipe.

How To Substitute

For the best result, try using the exact quantity in your recipe that it calls for beef consomme.

20. Sauces

Beef consomme is a French-style broth made from beef and vegetables. It is a clear broth that is typically served with beef dishes.

While you can use beef consomme in many different sauces, you may substitute it with other sauces to create different flavors.

For a lighter option or are trying to avoid beef for dietary reasons, several sauces can be used as a substitute.

Whichever sauce you choose, adjust the other seasonings in your recipe to compensate for the different flavor profiles.

With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect beef consomme substitute for your needs.

How To Substitute

To get a similar taste, you may use in 1:1 substitution ratio to achieve it.

21. Red Wine

Beef consomme is traditionally made with red wine, giving the broth a rich, dark color and deep flavor.

However, since the main goal is to substitute beef for red wine, you can use any red wine you like.

As with any meat, beef consomme can be substituted with red wine. To prepare beef consomme, use a flavorful red wine and a few tablespoons of butter.

Add a bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns to the liquid, and simmer on low heat.

How To Substitute

For best results, you can use an equal amount of red wine in your recipe. However, make sure to adjust with other ingredients depending on the taste you are trying to get.

How To Make Your Own Beef Consommé?

If you have the time, there’s no better beef consommé than the one you’ve made yourself.

Not only does a homemade beef consommé provide all the flavors you’re looking for, but it also offers more versatility than the substitutes we’ve looked at above. 

With that in mind, we’ve decided to give you our beef consommé recipe. Below you’ll find a list of the ingredients you need and instructions regarding the making of it.

Ingredients

To make our beef consommé, you need

• ¾ lbs ground beef (premium sirloin)
• 4 egg whites
• 4 celery stalks
• 6 cups of beef stock
• 4 small tomatoes (Roma)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 sprig of thyme

Method

1. To start, add the egg whites into a bowl with the pepper and whisk until it forms a foamy texture.
2. Next, pulse the tomatoes, ground beef, and celery several times using your food processor.
3. You can now combine all of the ingredients in one large stockpot. Your stockpot should sit on high heat and you should frequently give the mixture a stir to prevent boiling. 
4. Reduce the heat so that the consommé is simmering and leave it for 40 minutes without stirring.
5. After 40 minutes, remove the stockpot from the stove and slowly pour the liquid through a sieve using a cheesecloth. Do this carefully to avoid any burning.
6. Season your consommé and serve it hot. Alternatively, let it cool for later use.

RELATED: A Perfect Guide To Know The Shelf Life Of Chicken Broth

How To Store Your Beef Consommé?

Beef consommé doesn’t have to be used all at once. Instead, you can store it for use at a future date. Having said that, if you want to safely use your beef consommé later, you need to store it correctly.

Failure to do so will result in the consommé spoiling much quicker. For obvious reasons, you don’t want to then eat a beef consommé that has gone past its expiration date.

To avoid this, you should always store your beef consommé in an airtight container for at most 3 to 4 days. On the other hand, you could freeze your beef Consommé for a period of time no longer than 6 months. 

Label your food with a date so you know when it was made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Three Characteristics Of A Good Consommé?

Consommés are usually clear soups that are made from the broth. It is common to make consommés with the first two courses of broth.

They are generally considered light dishes and are often served cold. The three characteristics of a good consommé are that it is clear, has a soft consistency, and has a rich flavor.

What Is Beef Consommé Used For?

Beef consommé is a soup made from beef stock, water, and beef bouillon. Consommé is often the base for other dishes. For example, it can be used as a broth for soups, sauces, or other containers or as a liquid for poaching fish.

Is Beef Consommé The Same As Bone Broth?

Beef consommé is made by simmering beef, onion, carrot, celery, and thyme in milk and seasonings. Bone broth is made by simmering bones and other meat parts in water.

Making bone broth takes several hours and includes onion, celery, carrots, bay leaves, and herbs.

The Best 21 Beef Consommé Substitutes

Prep time

2

hours 

Cooking time

2

hours 

Total time

4

hours 

Full of flavor and served as a soup or appetizer, beef consommé has many uses in cooking. This post gives you 21 substitutes and shows you how to make your own.

Ingredients

• Beef Stock

• Beef Broth

• Mushroom Consommé

• Bouillon Cubes

• Vegetable Broth

• Beer

• Soy Sauce

• Browning Sauce

• Demi-Glace

• Au Jus

• Bone Broth

• Chicken Consommé

• Bouillon Granules

• Worcestershire Sauce

• Fish Stock

• Liquid Aminos

• French Onion Soup

• Water From Shiitake Mushroom

• Chicken Stock

• Sauces

• Red Wine

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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