Never Run Out of Vegetable Stock Concentrate Again! Try These Flavorful Substitutes Today

Vegetable stock concentrate is a popular ingredient in many recipes. It adds a palatable flavor to various soups, sauces, and stews. So, what do you do when preparing a dish and realizing you’re out of the main ingredient? You head to the pantry, of course. There, search for one of the eight vegetable stock concentrate substitutes on our list below.

What is Vegetable Stock Concentrate?

Vegetable stock concentrate comes from boiling down various veggies. Do this until there is no liquid left. Once you dehydrate these vegetables, you are left with a thick paste substance, which is stock. (*)

You can use a variety of different vegetables to make a stock concentrate. Some of the most popular options are,

• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Onions

Along with veggies, you also add herbs and spices to the mix for additional flavor. Some of the popular ingredients in this category include:

• Garlic
• Salt
• Rosemary
• Cilantro
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Peppercorn
• Parsley

Vegetable stock is a great ingredient to have for vegetarians, vegans, or soup lovers of any kind. When you don’t have any vegetable stock concentrate on hand, try one of the options listed below.

8 Vegetable Stock Concentrate Substitutes

Remember, not all options will be ideal for every dish. Consider the texture, flavor profile, and appearance before picking an alternative.

If you are in a jam and need vegetable stock concentrate, you are in luck. Here are eight vegetable stock concentrate substitutes that will work for any recipe.

Make Your Own Veggie Stock Concentrate Substitute

Why settle for a substitute if you have some vegetables on hand? It is easy to make your own veggie stock with the right ingredients. 

Here is the best way to create vegetable stock concentrate from home.

• First, choose your favorite vegetables- Toss chopped up veggies into a saucepan half full of water.
• Second, allow the mix to boil over medium to high heat. Add your herbs and spices at the very end of this step.
• After about one hour, or once the water is almost gone, remove it from the heat. 
• Finally, pour the contents into a blender Blend on the puree setting until you reach 

desired thickness. 

Some people prefer to do a slow simmer. This is a wonderful way of giving your ingredients time to open up and release tons of flavor. Does this sound like something you would be interested in doing? If so, make sure you check the pot frequently and stir the ingredients. You can easily overboil your veggies if you are not careful.

Even though there are many recipes out there, our favorite looks like this.

• ½ cup fresh herbs- Garlic and Parsley
• Two medium tomatoes
• Two medium onions
• Three stalks of celery + leaves
• 10 TBSP salt 
• Five cloves garlic
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• One large carrot
• Two medium zucchini

Using these ingredients, follow the instructions above. Once finished, place the contents into an airtight container and use immediately or store it in the refrigerator or freezer. 

The stock concentrate will last in the fridge for up to three months or in the freezer for around one year.

1. Mushroom Stock Concentrate- Earthy and Packed With Flavor

Mushroom stock concentrate comes from boiling a mix of mushrooms, herbs, and spices. The process is the same as vegetable stock. You boil the ingredients in a pot until the water evaporates, and all that is left is a thick paste.

Mushroom stock is more earthy and offers an umami flavor. This bold taste is great in most recipes that call for veggie stock. It provides a similar texture and appearance to the alternative option. 

Substitute: Substitute, 1 TBSP of mushroom stock, concentrate for 1 TBSP of vegetable stock concentrate.

2. Vegetable Bullion- It’s Basically the Same Thing!

If you run out of vegetable stock concentrate but have a jar of bullion in the cupboard, you’re good to go. Vegetable bullion is a dehydrated version of vegetable stock. 

Like the concentrated version, bullion has a nice bold flavor. This is thanks to the herbs and spices integrated into the soup and other various recipes. 

You can use bullion in place of vegetable stock in any recipe. Chances are good no one will even know the difference.

Substitute: Substitute one bouillon cube for two cups of vegetable stock.

3. Vegetables- Cripst, Fresh Veggies

If you are cooking up a meal that wants vegetable stock as its base, fresh veggies and water can take its place.

If you are making a soup recipe and don’t have stock on hand, add a little bit of water and boil your favorite vegetables. Mixing this with herbs, like rosemary and parsley, is one of our favorites. Especially combining it with chunks of chicken or ham. 

Keep in mind not all vegetables work well in stock. Refrain from adding green beans, leafy greens, turnips, etc. Avoid vegetables than can get mushy or soggy when boiled.

Substitute: Add to taste. There is no one size fits all here.

4. Tomatoes- Offers a Rich, Bold Flavor

Tomatoes have a naturally bold flavor that brings life to every dish. You can use this ingredient in many recipes that call for veggie stock concentrate.

Instead of boiling the tomatoes as you would with other stocks, you want to simmer them. Keep your stovetop heat at low, simmering until soft.

Add these tomatoes to sauces, stews, or dressings wherever vegetable stock concentrate is called for.

Substitute: Use one cup of tomato stock for everyone one cup of veggie stock concentrate.

5. White Wine- Yes, Really

White wine has a naturally sweet flavor. This is different from vegetable stock concentrate. So keep that in mind when choosing a substitute for your recipe. 

Although it might not work for all options, it will work for many. White wine will not interfere with the appearance of your dish. Nor will this ingredient take over the taste. In fact, the wine will draw out the flavor of other ingredients. 

This option works best when cooking with fish, risotto, and stews. You will be impressed with the results.

Substitute: Use one cup of white wine for one cup of vegetable stock concentrate.

6. Vegetable Broth- Wait, Aren’t They the Same Thing?

Many people will tell you vegetable broth and vegetable stock are the same things. But we have to disagree, especially when we are talking about concentrate. 

Vegetable broth is less potent and has more water. This is an excellent addition to soups or other liquid based recipes. While the outcome won’t be as flavorful, you can always add a few more spices to give it an extra oomph.

Many people also enjoy vegetable broth all on its own. It is considered a staple in homes around the world. People believe vegetable broth is ideal for those who are sick. The benefits lie in the aroma, heat, and high nutritional value.

Substitute: Use two cups of vegetable broth for one cup of vegetable stock concentrate

Chicken Stock.

7. Chicken Stock Concentrate: For Non-Vegetarian Dishes

Chicken stock concentrate is another popular veggie stock substitute. Well, as long as you aren’t looking for a vegan/vegetarian ingredient.

Chicken stock is made from boiling chicken with vegetables. Because of this, it offers a very similar flavor profile. You can enjoy the flavor of vegetable stock with the addition of a powerful chicken taste.

You can use this ingredient for just about any recipe that calls for vegetable stock concentrate.

Substitute: Use one cup of chicken stock concentrate for every cup of vegetable stock concentrate.

8. Soy Sauce for Meaty Dishes

Soy sauce might seem a little strange on this list, we know. But it is a good substitute for last-minute recipes when you run out of vegetable stock. 

Soy sauce is salty with an umami flavor similar to mushroom concentrate. You can use this ingredient in many dishes. But, it is most popular in meat dishes, mainly those calling for beef.

Keep in mind soy sauce is a dark color. This detail can change the look of your meal. If that is important to you, you should look for another option. 

Substitute: Use 1 cup of soy sauce for one cup of vegetable stock concentrate.

Where To Buy Vegetable Stock Concentrate Near Me?

It’s super easy to find – you can snag a jar at your local grocery store, health food store, or even online (thanks, Amazon!).

With tons of options from organic to low sodium, you’re sure to find one that fits your taste and dietary needs. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. So why not switch things up and give it a try?

And the problem? With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Fear not, my friend! While taste is subjective, there are a few tried-and-true brands that consistently get rave reviews from home cooks and chefs alike.

Better Than Bouillon, Swanson, and Knorr are just a few examples of brands that pack a powerful punch when it comes to both flavor and versatility in the kitchen.

So go ahead and give one of these a try.

Your cooking will never be the same once you’ve added some depth and complexity with a jar of vegetable stock concentrate.

FAQs

Is Vegetable Stock Concentrate and Vegetable Broth the Same Thing?

No. Vegetable stock is thicker and more flavorful than broth. You can use stock in a variety of recipes. But broth is typically best for soups. 

Is Vegetable Bullion a Good Substitute for Vegetable Stock?

Yes. We often use vegetable bullion in place of vegetable stock. You will get a bold flavor from both ingredients. 

Can You Make Your Own Vegetable Stock Concentrate?

Absolutely. You can make a delicious stock concentrate by boiling down veggies, herbs, and spices. Check out our favorite recipe above.

Up Next: Is Chicken Stock Concentrate the Same as Bouillon?