Make your own vegan beef broth and bouillon powder in just 5 minutes! This quick and easy umami seasoning will take your soups, stews, and vegan dishes to the next level. A must-have pantry staple!
What recipes can you use it in? It’s perfect for vegan beef stew, vegan pho, vegan chili, and many other hearty dishes that need a rich, savory flavor boost. It’s a kitchen essential you won’t want to miss!
This vegan beef bouillon powder is super convenient. Just add a scoop to some hot water, and you’ve got a rich, savory broth that will take your soups, stews, or sauces to the next level. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
It’s also a healthier option compared to store-bought versions, and it’s more affordable too. Plus, since it comes in powder form, it’s easy to store and keep on hand for whenever you need a quick, tasty boost for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients for vegan beef bouillon powder
- Shiitake powder: Made from dried shiitake mushrooms, this powder adds a deep, rich umami flavor that’s perfect for enhancing broths, soups, and sauces. It’s great for bringing a savory, "meaty" taste to vegan dishes. You can use store-bought shiitake powder or make your own by grinding dried shiitake mushrooms in a blender or food processor. Alternatively, you can use other dried mushrooms like cremini or porcini for a similar umami flavor.
- Nutritional yeast: It adds a cheesy, nutty flavor that is perfect for vegan dishes like pasta, popcorn, sauces, and soups. The best option is always nutritional yeast, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with brewer’s yeast, dried vegan cheese powder, dried miso, or ground cashews for a similar cheesy taste.
- Salt.
- Onion powder.
- Garlic powder.
- Paprika: It adds a rich flavor and color. You can use any type of paprika you prefer, whether it's sweet, smoked, or hot, depending on the flavor you're looking for.
- Dried thyme.
- Dried rosemary.
- Ground black pepper.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make vegan beef broth and bouillon powder
Step 1: Place all the bouillon ingredients in a blender or grinder.
Step 2: Process until everything is finely ground.
Step 3: Add the bouillon powder and hot water to a jar, using 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder for every 1 cup (240 ml) of water.
Step 4: Mix until fully dissolved.
Storage instructions
Vegan beef bouillon powder: Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place, and it will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as it can affect its flavor and texture.
Vegan beef broth: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pour the broth into a pot and heat over medium heat on the stovetop until warm. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe container. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Definitely! You can use other herbs like dried oregano, dried bay leaf, or parsley flakes. Then, feel free to experiment with spices like turmeric, chili powder, or ground ginger. Finally, you can add dried vegetables like tomatoes, celery, or peppers to boost the flavor.
Of course! Just leave it out and you can add salt to your dishes later, adjusting to your taste.
Yep, it’s gluten-free! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
Absolutely! You can use it as a substitute for vegetable broth in any recipe. It will add a richer, savory flavor to your dishes.
You can use it in a variety of classic dishes to add rich, savory flavor.
For example, you can add it to sautéed soy curls, TVP, or beans for vegan tacos, or use it in the sauce to make vegan meatballs extra flavorful.
It’s great in vegan shepherd's pie, where it adds flavor to the filling, and in stews, giving them a hearty, savory base.
The broth works wonderfully in vegan stroganoff, adding depth to the sauce, and in vegan risotto, replacing vegetable broth for a richer taste.
You can also use it to make vegan gravy for vegan mashed potatoes or roasts, or in a vegan "beef" and broccoli stir-fry for an extra savory boost.
More vegan kitchen basics
Vegan Beef Broth and Bouillon Powder
Ingredients
For the bouillon powder:
- ¼ cup shiitake powder
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the broth:
- 1 tablespoon vegan beef bouillon powder, recipe above
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Add ingredients: Place all the bouillon ingredients in a blender or spice grinder.
- Blend into a fine powder: Blend until everything is finely ground and well combined.
- Add water and bouillon powder: Add the bouillon powder and hot water to a jar. Use 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder per 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water.
- Mix well: Stir until well combined.
Notes
- Store the vegan beef bouillon powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Keep leftover broth in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pour it into a pot and warm it on medium heat on the stovetop, or heat in the microwave in a microwave-safe container. Thaw frozen broth in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- After mixing the bouillon with hot water, you can strain the broth to achieve a smoother texture, though it’s not necessary.
- When preparing the broth, you can also add a splash of soy sauce to boost the saltiness and add more umami. For a more authentic beef-like color, you can use a little bit of liquid aminos or a darker soy sauce to achieve a richer, deeper color.
Emily says
I tried this recipe last night and wow, it was so good! It added such a rich, savory flavor to my chili, and it was super easy to make. Definitely going to keep this as a staple in my kitchen from now on. Thanks for sharing!
Iosune Robles says
Thank you so much, Emily. I’m really glad you enjoyed it and that it added that extra depth to your chili. Love that it’s going to be a staple for you!