Out of Chicken stock, one case
Vegetarian chicken stock substitute
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Vegetable stock + umami boosters
1 cup vegetable stock + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast
The best vegetarian substitutes for chicken stock are Vegetable Stock + Umami Boosters (1 cup stock + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast), Mushroom Stock (1:1), and Miso Paste + Water (1 tbsp + 1 cup water). Each provides savory depth without animal products.
- Best for —
- vegetarian dishes
One casethe full chicken stock card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chicken stock |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vegetable stock + umami boostersvegetarian dishes | 1 cup vegetable stock + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast |
| 2 | Mushroom stockvegetarian dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Miso paste + waterAsian dishes | 1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water |
| 4 | Vegetable bouillon + waterquick cooking | 1 cube + 1 cup water |
| 5 | Kombu dashi + umami boostersAsian dishes | 1 cup dashi + 1 tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp nutritional yeast |
| 6 | Nutritional yeast + vegetable stockwhen you want cheesy flavor | 1 cup vegetable stock + 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast |
| 7 | Homemade vegetable stockwhen you want to control ingredients | Same amount |
| 8 | Water + seasonings + umami boostersemergency situations | 1 cup water + 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast |
Vegetable stock + umami boosters
enhanced savory · similar texture
Vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters provides excellent depth for vegetarian dishes. The soy sauce and nutritional yeast add savory notes that mimic chicken flavor without animal products.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, vegan cooking, soups, risottos, when you want plant-based flavor, light stews
Vegetable stock alone is too light for most chicken stock applications. Always enhance with umami boosters for best results. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, savory notes.
Mushroom stock
earthy · similar texture
Mushroom stock provides excellent umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute. It's particularly good for vegetarian cooking and adds rich, earthy notes.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based recipes, risottos, soups, when you want earthy flavor, vegan cooking
Mushroom stock has a strong earthy flavor. It works especially well in mushroom-based dishes and vegetarian cooking. Use a variety of mushrooms for best flavor.
Miso paste + water
fermented umami · similar texture
Miso paste provides excellent umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes and vegetarian cooking.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, vegetarian cooking, soups, stir-fries, when you want fermented flavor, vegan cooking
Miso paste adds a unique fermented flavor. Use white miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger taste. Mix well to dissolve completely.
Vegetable bouillon + water
vegetable-based · similar texture
Vegetable bouillon cubes dissolved in water provide concentrated vegetable flavor. This is a convenient substitute that works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- quick cooking, emergency substitution, when you need concentrated flavor, soups, gravies, vegan cooking
Dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water. Look for low-sodium options if needed. Adjust salt in your recipe as bouillon cubes are salty.
Kombu dashi + umami boosters
seaweed umami · similar texture
Kombu dashi (seaweed stock) provides excellent umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, vegetarian cooking, soups, stir-fries, when you want seaweed flavor, vegan cooking
Kombu dashi has a unique seaweed flavor. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes and provides natural umami without animal products.
Nutritional yeast + vegetable stock
cheesy, savory · similar texture
Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, savory notes to vegetable stock, creating a rich substitute that mimics some of the depth of chicken stock.
- Best for
- when you want cheesy flavor, vegan cooking, soups, sauces, when you want B-vitamins, vegetarian dishes
Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, savory notes and B-vitamins. It's particularly good for creating rich, satisfying flavors in vegetarian cooking.
Homemade vegetable stock
customizable · similar texture
Make your own vegetable stock using onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs. This gives you complete control over the flavor and ingredients.
- Best for
- when you want to control ingredients, bulk preparation, when you have time to prepare, vegan cooking, vegetarian dishes
Simmer vegetables, herbs, and spices for 1-2 hours. Strain and use as needed. This gives you complete control over the flavor and ingredients.
Water + seasonings + umami boosters
basic · similar texture
A simple combination of water and seasonings can work in a pinch. While not as flavorful as real stock, it provides a base for your dish.
- Best for
- emergency situations, when you have no other options, very simple recipes, when you want to control salt content, vegan cooking
This is the most basic substitute. Add more seasonings to taste and consider adding a splash of soy sauce for umami.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegetarian and vegan substitutes for chicken stock need to provide umami depth and savory flavor without animal products. The best substitutes work because they either naturally contain umami compounds or can be enhanced with plant-based umami boosters to achieve similar results.
Tips for substituting chicken stock
10 tips- Always enhance vegetable stock with umami boosters for best results
- Use a variety of mushrooms for richer mushroom stock flavor
- Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, savory notes and B-vitamins
- Miso paste works well in Asian-inspired dishes
- Kombu dashi provides natural umami without animal products
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different stocks have varying salt levels
- For rich dishes, consider adding a splash of white wine to enhance depth
- Store homemade vegetable stock in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage
- When making homemade stock, use a variety of vegetables for better flavor
- Consider using vegetable scraps and peels to make stock more economical
Notes on chicken stock
- Make your own vegetable stock using onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs
- Use vegetable scraps and peels to make stock more economical
- Combine multiple substitutes (like mushroom stock + miso paste) for more complex flavor
- Consider using kombu dashi for natural umami without animal products
- For quick meals, keep vegetable bouillon cubes or miso paste on hand
- Freeze homemade vegetable stock in ice cube trays for convenient portion control
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best vegetarian substitute for chicken stock?
The best vegetarian substitute is vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or miso paste. This combination provides the savory depth that chicken stock offers without animal products.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, but enhance it with umami boosters like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast for better flavor. Vegetable stock alone will be too light for most chicken stock applications.
What's the best vegan substitute for chicken stock?
The best vegan substitute is vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or miso paste. Mushroom stock is also excellent for providing umami depth without animal products.
How do I make my own vegetarian chicken stock?
To make your own vegetarian chicken stock, simmer vegetables, herbs, and spices for 1-2 hours. Use onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs. Strain and use as needed. Enhance with umami boosters for better flavor.
Can I use mushroom stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, mushroom stock is an excellent substitute for chicken stock. It provides umami depth and works well in most recipes. Use a variety of mushrooms for best flavor.
What's the difference between vegetable stock and chicken stock?
Vegetable stock is made from vegetables and herbs, while chicken stock is made from chicken bones and vegetables. Vegetable stock is lighter in flavor and needs umami boosters to match the depth of chicken stock.
Can I use miso paste instead of chicken stock?
Yes, miso paste is a good substitute for chicken stock. Mix 1 tablespoon miso with 1 cup water and use in most recipes. It adds unique fermented flavor and umami depth.
What's the best way to enhance vegetable stock?
The best way to enhance vegetable stock is to add umami boosters like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or miso paste. These ingredients add savory depth that mimics the flavor of chicken stock.