Out of Beef broth, one case
Beef broth substitutes for chicken broth
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth + umami boosters
1 cup chicken broth + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp Worcestershire
For chicken broth, the best beef broth substitutes are Chicken Broth + Umami Boosters, Beef Bouillon + Water, and Chicken Broth + Red Wine. Use 1:1 ratio and add umami boosters like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- Best for —
- when you want similar flavor
One casethe full beef broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of beef broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken broth + umami boosterswhen you want similar flavor | 1 cup chicken broth + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp Worcestershire |
| 2 | Beef bouillon + waterwhen you need beef flavor | 1 cube + 1 cup water |
| 3 | Chicken broth + red winehearty dishes | ¾ cup chicken broth + ¼ cup red wine |
| 4 | Chicken broth + mushroom powderwhen you want umami depth | 1 cup chicken broth + 1-2 tsp mushroom powder |
| 5 | Chicken broth + beef seasoningwhen you want beef flavor | 1 cup chicken broth + 1-2 tsp beef seasoning |
Chicken broth + umami boosters
enhanced savory · similar texture
Chicken broth enhanced with umami boosters provides good depth for many recipes. The soy sauce and Worcestershire add meaty notes that work well in many dishes.
- Best for
- when you want similar flavor, quick preparation, emergency substitution, most recipes
Chicken broth + umami boosters provides good depth but has a different flavor profile. Add umami boosters gradually to taste.
Beef bouillon + water
very similar · similar texture
Beef bouillon cubes dissolved in water provide concentrated beef flavor. This is the closest substitute to homemade beef broth and is convenient for quick cooking.
- Best for
- when you need beef flavor, quick preparation, emergency substitution, gravies, soups
Dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water. Adjust salt in your recipe as bouillon cubes are salty.
Chicken broth + red wine
very similar · similar texture
Chicken broth combined with red wine provides excellent depth for many recipes. The red wine adds richness and complexity that mimics beef broth's character.
- Best for
- hearty dishes, stews, braised dishes, when you want wine flavor, rich dishes
The red wine adds tannins and depth that chicken broth alone lacks. Use dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Chicken broth + mushroom powder
earthy and savory · similar texture
Chicken broth enhanced with mushroom powder provides umami depth similar to beef broth. This works well when you want to add earthy, savory notes.
- Best for
- when you want umami depth, vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based recipes, when you want earthy flavor
Mushroom powder adds umami depth and earthy flavor. Add gradually to taste for desired intensity.
Chicken broth + beef seasoning
beef-like · similar texture
Chicken broth enhanced with beef seasoning provides beef-like flavor. This works well when you want to add beef notes to chicken broth.
- Best for
- when you want beef flavor, quick preparation, emergency substitution, when you want beef notes
Beef seasoning adds beef-like flavor to chicken broth. Add gradually to taste for desired intensity.
How it behaves in this recipe
Beef broth provides rich, savory depth to dishes through its umami content and meaty flavor. When you only have chicken broth, the best substitutes work because they either provide similar umami quality, or can be enhanced with seasonings to achieve comparable results.
Tips for substituting beef broth
5 tips- For best results, warm your substitute broth before adding to hot dishes
- Add umami boosters like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast to enhance flavor
- If using a lighter substitute like chicken broth, consider reducing it slightly to concentrate flavor
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different broths have varying salt levels
- For rich dishes, consider adding a splash of wine to enhance depth
Notes on beef broth
- Make your own beef broth by simmering beef bones, meat, and vegetables for 2-4 hours
- Use beef drippings or pan juices to enhance any substitute broth
- Combine multiple substitutes (like chicken broth + mushroom broth) for more complex flavor
- Consider using beef stock concentrate for professional results
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for beef broth when you only have chicken broth?
Chicken broth + umami boosters is the best substitute for beef broth when you only have chicken broth. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or mushroom powder to enhance the flavor. Beef bouillon + water works well for quick preparation.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, but enhance it with umami boosters like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or mushroom powder. Chicken broth alone will be lighter in flavor than beef broth.
What's the difference between beef broth and chicken broth?
Beef broth is made with beef meat and bones, providing rich, savory depth. Chicken broth is made with chicken meat and bones, providing lighter, more delicate flavor.
How do I make chicken broth taste more like beef broth?
Add umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or mushroom powder. You can also add red wine for richness and complexity.
Can I use beef bouillon instead of beef broth?
Yes, beef bouillon cubes dissolved in water work well as a substitute for beef broth. Use 1 cube per cup of water and adjust salt in your recipe.