Do you use bouillon cubes or granules?
Most culinary enthusiasts and chefs know that bouillon is perfect for bringing rich, slow-cooked flavor to your fare, as well as being the perfect warm drink on a cool day.
Take a good look in your pantry to determine if you have bouillon on-hand, what kind it is, and keep reading to figure out how to substitute and measure accurately.
How Much Bouillon Powder Equals a Cube?
A bouillon cube- chicken, beef, or vegetable flavored- equals one teaspoon of bouillon granules or powder. This should be added to eight ounces of hot water to make one cup of broth. You can use bouillon cubes, granules, and powder interchangeably.
Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes are small, square cubes of goodness, made from concentrated bouillon granules that have been pressed together.
These cubes are intended to be dissolved in hot water for use in recipes, as a base for soups and stews, or for drinking.
Each of these cubes typically contains around one teaspoon of bouillon granules, which could be substituted for one teaspoon of bouillon powder or paste.
Remember that these are intended to be dissolved in hot water, and the perfect ratio is one teaspoon of bouillon to one cup- eight full ounces- of water.
So, if you need a cup of beef broth for a pot roast recipe that you are making, you can use a single beef bouillon cube or one teaspoon of bouillon granules, powder, or paste, combined with one cup of hot water for the dish.
Substitutes for Bouillon
Now that you know the right ratios for substituting different forms of bouillon, what if you don’t have any bouillon at all in the pantry?
What will you use as a proper substitute now?
Depending on the flavor profile of the dish and whether it calls for beef, chicken, or vegetable broth, consider some of the following culinary substitutes in your own cooking.
- Depending on the flavor profile, you could use tomato sauce instead of stock or broth.
- Add herbs and garlic to a cup of boiling water and use this in place of the bouillon in the dish.
- Use a cup of beer or half-cup of wine in place of the bouillon in the dish- add a pat of butter or little olive oil for some richness.
- Use a good amount of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce with a splash of water in place of the bouillon.
- You may puree cooked veggies, like peppers, onions, and root vegetables, and use this in place of bouillon. This veggie ‘paste’ will also serve to thicken up sauces, soups, and stews.
- Depending on the preparation, you may be able to substitute some kind of dairy for the bouillon called for in the recipe. For instance, if you are making a soup and run out of bouillon, you may be able to add half the amount of cream or milk, diluted with one part water, in the dish. The result will be a rich, creamy broth.
These are not all one-to-one substitutes. Some of these suggestions are strongly flavored substitutes that should be used to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Much Bouillon Powder Equals a Cube
What can you substitute for beef bouillon?
There are many substitutes for beef bouillon that work fine, including beef broth, beef stock, and water. You can add some melted butter to the water to create a richer broth. You can also substitute beef bouillon for other kinds of bouillon, like chicken or vegetable, in your dishes or recipes with success.
How to make your own bouillon cubes at home?
To make your own bouillon cubes, blend or process vegetables cooked in stock until it is a paste-like consistency. Fill an ice cube tray with the paste and freeze.
What is the difference between stock and broth?
The difference between stock and broth is that stock is made from bones, while broth is made from veggies and meat, primarily. Some would say that stock has a richer, deeper flavor than broth does.
How much chicken broth is equivalent to 1 bouillon cube?
One bouillon cube is equal to one cup of chicken broth- and vice versa. Each bouillon cube contains around one teaspoon of bouillon granules or powder, which is the perfect amount to dissolve in eight ounces of water.
Can vegans eat bouillon cubes?
Vegans can eat bouillon cubes that are vegetable flavored, as there are no animal products listed on the label. Vegans may want to seek out vegetable bouillon cubes or broth, rather than chicken or beef.
What can be substituted for beef broth?
There are plenty of substitutes that you can use for beef broth, including chicken broth if you have it on-hand. Use a bouillon cube- any flavor- instead. Some cooks may use the same amount of beer or wine in place of the beef broth called for in a dish or recipe. Some other substitutes include vinegar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and liquid aminos- but use much less, to taste, in your dish.
Conclusion About How Much Bouillon Powder Equals a Cube
Trying to figure out how much bouillon to use in your recipe?
It may help to know that a single bouillon cube is equal to a teaspoon of granulated bouillon- which makes a cup or eight ounces of broth.
Use this guide in your own cooking and substituting for success when you are substituting in a recipe or favorite dish.