Out of Vegetable broth, one case
Vegetable broth substitute, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth
Same amount as the vegetable broth
The best vegetable broth substitute is chicken broth (1:1 ratio) for non-vegetarian recipes, or mushroom broth for vegetarian options. Both provide excellent flavor and work in most recipes.
- Best for —
- All cooking applications
One casethe full vegetable broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken brothAll cooking applications | Same amount |
| 2 | Mushroom brothVegetarian/vegan dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Water + seasoningsAll cooking applications | 1 cup water + ½ tsp salt + herbs |
| 4 | Bouillon cubes/powderQuick cooking | 1 cube per 1 cup water |
| 5 | Beef brothHearty dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Miso brothAsian dishes | 1 tbsp miso per 1 cup water |
Chicken broth
rich, savory, meaty · similar texture
Rich, flavorful broth that adds depth to any dish
- Best for
- All cooking applications, When you want rich flavor, Soups and stews, Risotto and grains
Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Provides the most similar flavor to vegetable broth.
Mushroom broth
earthy, umami, rich · similar texture
Earthy, umami-rich broth good for vegetarian cooking
- Best for
- Vegetarian/vegan dishes, When you want umami flavor, Hearty soups, Risotto and grains
Excellent for vegetarian/vegan recipes. Provides deep, earthy flavor and umami richness.
Water + seasonings
customizable, mild · similar texture
Versatile substitute that works in any recipe
- Best for
- All cooking applications, When you want to control flavor, Emergency substitute, Custom flavor profiles
Most versatile option. Add herbs, spices, and salt to taste for best results.
Bouillon cubes/powder
concentrated, salty
Convenient and flavorful substitute
- Best for
- Quick cooking, When you need instant flavor, Large batch cooking, Emergency substitutions
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Very convenient and provides good flavor. Check labels for vegetarian/vegan options.
Beef broth
rich, meaty, intense · similar texture
Rich, hearty broth with intense flavor
- Best for
- Hearty dishes, When you want rich flavor, Stews and soups, When you want depth
Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Much richer and more intense than vegetable broth.
Miso broth
umami, savory
Umami-rich broth good for Asian dishes
- Best for
- Asian dishes, When you want umami flavor, Soups and sauces, Vegetarian cooking
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Whisk miso into hot water until dissolved. Adds deep umami flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
The best vegetable broth substitute depends on your dietary restrictions, flavor preferences, and cooking needs. The top options provide excellent flavor while being versatile enough to work in most recipes.
Tips for substituting vegetable broth
10 tips- For the best flavor, use chicken broth or mushroom broth
- For vegetarian/vegan recipes, mushroom broth is the best option
- For convenience, bouillon cubes work excellently
- For versatility, water with seasonings works in any recipe
- For Asian dishes, miso broth provides excellent umami flavor
- For hearty dishes, beef broth adds the most depth
- For quick cooking, bouillon cubes or liquid broth work best
- For custom flavor profiles, water with seasonings gives you complete control
- For emergency substitutions, any of these options work well
- For the most authentic flavor, use the substitute that best matches your dietary needs
Notes on vegetable broth
- Use a combination of different substitutes for complex flavor
- Match the substitute to your specific dietary needs
- Consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing
- Experiment with different options to find your preference
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best substitute for vegetable broth?
Chicken broth is the best substitute for vegetable broth if you're not vegetarian/vegan. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. For vegetarian options, mushroom broth is the best choice.
What's the best vegetarian substitute for vegetable broth?
Mushroom broth is the best vegetarian substitute for vegetable broth. It provides rich, earthy flavor and umami depth that works excellently in vegetarian cooking.
What's the best quick substitute for vegetable broth?
Bouillon cubes are the best quick substitute for vegetable broth. Just dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup of hot water and use immediately. They provide instant flavor and convenience.
What's the best substitute for vegetable broth in soup?
Chicken broth is the best substitute for vegetable broth in soup as it adds the most depth and richness. For vegetarian soups, mushroom broth works excellently.
What's the best substitute for vegetable broth in risotto?
Chicken broth or mushroom broth work best for risotto as they provide the most flavor and depth. Use them in a 1:1 ratio for best results.
What's the best substitute for vegetable broth for cooking grains?
Any of the top substitutes work well for cooking grains. Chicken broth, mushroom broth, or water with seasonings all provide good flavor for rice, quinoa, etc.
What's the best substitute for vegetable broth in Asian cooking?
Miso broth or mushroom broth work best for Asian cooking as they provide umami flavor that complements Asian dishes. Soy sauce mixed with water also works well.
What's the best substitute for vegetable broth for baking?
Water with seasonings works best for baking as it provides flavor without being too intense. Bouillon cubes can also work well when dissolved properly.