🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Vegetable Bouillon Cube Substitutes: Complete Guide

Discover the best substitutes for vegetable bouillon cubes in your cooking. Learn about liquid stock, miso paste, and homemade alternatives with proper ratios.

✓

Quick Answer

The best substitute for vegetable bouillon cubes is liquid vegetable stock (1 cube = 1 cup stock), followed by miso paste (1 cube = 1 tbsp), or soy sauce (1 cube = 1 tbsp). For homemade options, simmer vegetable scraps with herbs for 30-60 minutes.

Best Substitutes

Liquid Vegetable Stock

1 bouillon cube = 1 cup liquid stock

Pre-made liquid vegetable stock provides the same flavor profile as bouillon cubes but in liquid form. It's the most straightforward substitute.

Best for:

soupsstewssaucesrice dishes

Most direct substitute, adjust other liquids in recipe

Miso Paste

1 bouillon cube = 1 tablespoon miso paste

Fermented soybean paste that adds rich umami flavor. Dissolve in warm water or broth before adding to your dish.

Best for:

soupssaucesmarinadesAsian dishes

Adds umami depth, dissolve in warm liquid first

Soy Sauce

1 bouillon cube = 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Provides salty, umami flavor similar to bouillon. Use low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.

Best for:

soupssaucesstir-friesmarinades

More salty, reduce other salt in recipe

Homemade Vegetable Broth

1:1 replacement

Make your own by simmering vegetable scraps, onion, garlic, herbs, and water. Strain and use as needed.

Best for:

all cooking applicationscustom flavor profiles

Simmer vegetable scraps, herbs, and water for 30-60 minutes

Tomato Paste + Herbs

1 bouillon cube = 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 tsp mixed herbs

Combination of concentrated tomato flavor with dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.

Best for:

soupsstewssaucesMediterranean dishes

Adds tomato flavor and color to dishes

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Dissolve bouillon cubes in warm water before adding to cold ingredients
  • 💡Taste and adjust seasoning after adding bouillon substitutes
  • 💡Store homemade vegetable broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • 💡Freeze homemade broth in ice cube trays for convenient portioning
  • 💡Use low-sodium alternatives if watching salt intake
  • 💡Add bouillon substitutes gradually to avoid over-seasoning

Frequently Asked Questions

How much liquid vegetable stock equals one bouillon cube?

One vegetable bouillon cube typically equals 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) of liquid vegetable stock. Adjust other liquids in your recipe accordingly.

Can I use miso paste instead of vegetable bouillon cubes?

Yes, miso paste is an excellent substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of miso paste for every bouillon cube. Dissolve it in warm liquid first to prevent clumping.

What's the difference between bouillon cubes and liquid stock?

Bouillon cubes are concentrated, dehydrated stock that needs to be dissolved in water. Liquid stock is ready to use but takes up more storage space and has a shorter shelf life.

How do I make homemade vegetable bouillon?

Simmer vegetable scraps (onion, carrot, celery), herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves), and water for 30-60 minutes. Strain and reduce the liquid for a more concentrated flavor.

Can I substitute soy sauce for vegetable bouillon cubes?

Yes, soy sauce can work as a substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce per bouillon cube, but reduce other salt in your recipe since soy sauce is quite salty.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for vegetable bouillon cubes in cooking. Learn about liquid stock, miso paste, soy sauce alternatives with proper ratios and cooking tips.