Beef consommé is a clear soup made by reducing rich stock with egg whites to get rid of fat and sediments. It is often served as an appetizer.
Beef consommé originated from France. Back then, it was an exclusive dish reserved for wealthy people. Its unique texture and flavor made it gain popularity quickly, and it soon spread to other parts of the world.
This unique soup also has several culinary uses. You can add it to soups, casseroles, and other side dishes. You can also serve dumplings in them.
If you need beef consommé but have none at hand, you can use a substitute in its place.
The best alternatives to beef consommé are; beef broth, beef stock, mushroom consommé, vegetable broth, bone broth, chicken consommé, bouillon cubes, wine/beer, soy sauce, demi-glace, and au jus.
You can also make homemade beef consommé if you have the time.
This article discusses the substitutes as mentioned above in detail. We will also share a simple beef consommé recipe whose results you will love.
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The Alternatives
Beef consommé can be challenging to find, and it is also relatively difficult to make at home.
Luckily, there are readily available substitutes you can use in its place. Here are a few of them.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is a suitable beef consommé alternative. Unlike beef consommé and beef stock, it doesn’t take too long to whip up.
Beef broth and beef consommé have a similar meaty flavor. However, beef broth is milder in comparison.
If you find it too mild, your best bet is to simmer the broth on low heat for 30 minutes or until the liquid reduces. Simmering will make its flavor more intense.
Also, Check Out: 7 Amazing Dark Soy Sauce Substitutes.
Beef stock
Beef stock is arguably the best substitute for beef consommé. You can either use store-bought beef stock or make your own. I prefer homemade beef stock because it is more flavorful, and I control the quality of ingredients I use.
To make beef stock at home, roast two pounds of bones (beef) for approximately 40 minutes, and then add them to a stockpot of water with celery, chopped onions, carrots, and other herbs. Let the bones simmer for eight hours.
This way, the collagen in the bones will give the stock a gelatinous texture. Remove from heat and serve. Alternatively, let it cool and store it for future use.
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Mushroom Consommé
The best vegetarian alternative to beef consommé is mushroom consommé. It has a fantastic umami flavor similar to beef consommé.
You can also make homemade mushroom consommé. I highly recommend using a combination of porcini and fresh white mushrooms for the best flavor.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth is another ideal vegetarian substitute. You can use it in recipes that require you to use beef consommé.
Use all your favorite flavorful veggies as ingredients to make it tasty with a pleasant aroma. You can also add seasoning to make it even more delicious.
Substitute beef consommé with vegetable broth in equal amounts.
Bone broth
Bone broth has a distinct, earthy flavor that makes it the ideal base for sauces, soups, and gravies.
Bone broth can replace bone broth in several recipes. However, its texture is slightly different. It is not as thick as beef consommé, but they have a similar flavor.
I highly recommend using this substitute as it is packed with minerals, vitamins, and collagen.
You can easily make bone broth at home using a few essential ingredients.
Chicken Consommé
Chicken consommé is a traditional soup made with chicken broth. It is clear, with a rich, distinct flavor.
You can replace beef consommé with chicken consommé in several recipes. Their flavors are slightly different, but chicken consommé still makes a decent alternative.
Bouillon cubes
You can use bouillon cubes as an alternative to beef consommé. They are packed with flavor and can last long if you store them properly.
Use this substitute when you need to replace beef consommé in any recipe. Use one bouillon cube for every cup of beef consommé that your recipe requires.
It would be best to dissolve the cube in a cub of hot water before adding it to your recipe.
Wine/beer
You can use wine or beer to replace beef consommé in recipes. Although they have a different texture, they make for a great replacement in chili’s, gravies, and stews.
To use this substitute, you’ll need to mix the wine or beer with water. For instance, if a recipe calls for a cup of beef consommé, mix half a glass of beer or wine with half a glass of water, then add it to your recipe.
It would be best to let your dish cook properly because the alcohol should be thoroughly processed.
Soy sauce
You can use soy sauce to mimic the taste of beef consommé in recipes.
To use this substitute, dissolve a tablespoon of soy sauce in one cup of water, stir until the two ingredients combine entirely, and then add it to your dish.
Demi-glace
This substitute is a French sauce commonly used to replace beef consommé. The primary ingredients in demi-glace are brown sauce and brown stock.
Use it in meat dishes, stew, or soups.
Au jus
Au jus is a rich liquid that can replace beef consommé. It is made of drippings from meat during cooking.
You can use this substitute in meat dishes to make them juicy and soft. You can also use it as a dipping sauce and in your noodles.
Also, Check Out: Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Homemade Beef Consommé
Homemade beef consommé is the best alternative to store-bought beef consommé. It may take longer, but the results will be worth it.
This recipe is straightforward. Follow it to the latter for the best results.
Ingredients
- Six cups beef stock.
- ¾ pound ground beef.
- Four egg whites.
- Four small tomatoes.
- Four celery stalks.
- One sprig of rosemary.
- One sprig thyme.
- One teaspoon black pepper.
- One teaspoon salt.
Instructions
- Whip your egg whites to form a fluffy base for your mixture.
- Add black pepper and whip until the two ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place the celery, ground beef, and tomatoes in a food processor and process for five minutes.
- Place all the ingredients in a large pot and heat on high until they boil. Remember to stir frequently.
- Once it boils, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 40 minutes. Do not stir.
- Remove from heat and use a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to sieve the liquid.
- Season the beef consommé and serve, or let it cool, then store it for later use.
How to Store Beef Consommé
Transfer the beef consommé to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days.
If you want it to last longer, store it in your freezer. It will retain its quality for up to six months.
If you choose to freeze beef consommé, remember to label the storage container with the date of storage. This way, you can track how long it has been in the freezer.
Difference between beef consommé and beef broth
Most confuse beef consommé with beef broth. However, the two are very different. For starters, the two have different consistencies. Beef consommé is thick, while the beef broth is thin.
Another notable difference is the taste. Beef consommé has a rich flavor, while beef broth has a mild flavor.
Beef broth is also used as an ingredient in other dishes, while most people consume beef consommé on its own as an appetizer.
The two also differ in terms of appearance. Beef consommé is clearer and looks like a skimmed beef broth version.
Conclusion
Beef consommé is a complicated soup to make at home, and it may not always be available in stores.
If you need to substitute it with another ingredient, beef broth, beef stock, and mushroom consommé are your best bet.
Their flavor and texture are similar to beef consommé. Bone broth, chicken consommé, bouillon cubes, and au jus are also suitable alternatives, and if you have time, you can make homemade beef consommé.
