How Do I Make Beef Broth with Bouillon Cubes? A Step-by-Step Guide

With the help of bouillon cubes, it’s very easy to make your own beef broth. It’s fine to use store-bought broth, but homemade broth tastes better. It only needs a few simple things: water, bouillon cubes, and aromatics to make it taste better.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through the entire process of making beef broth with bouillon cubes. From gathering ingredients to properly dissolving the cubes, you’ll learn tips and tricks for maximizing flavor. With just 20 minutes of active prep time you can have quarts of rich, beefy broth ready for all your cooking needs. Let’s get started!

An Overview of Beef Broth

Before jumping into the recipe, let’s do a quick rundown on beef broth.

Beef broth is made by simmering beef bones and meat in water for an extended period. This long simmering time extracts gelatin, collagen, and nutrients from the bones, resulting in a broth that is rich, unctuous, and packed with savory beef flavor. The broth can then be used as a base for soups, stews, gravies, sauces, braises, and more

When making beef broth from scratch using beef bones, it needs to simmer for at least 3-4 hours to get the most out of the ingredients. That’s where bouillon cubes come in handy! They provide an easy shortcut to beefy flavor without requiring lengthy cooking times.

Why Use Bouillon Cubes for Beef Broth?

Bouillon cubes provide a few advantages when making beef broth

• Convenience – With bouillon cubes, you can make beef broth in just 20 minutes instead of simmering it for hours. Perfect for quick weeknight meals!

• Rich flavor – Bouillon cubes are made from concentrated beef stock, so they provide an instant boost of savory umami flavor.

• Cost-effective – Buying bouillon cubes is much cheaper than purchasing cartons of store-bought broth.

• Customizable – You control the strength of the broth by adjusting the amount of cubes used.

• Versatile – The broth can be used in any recipe calling for beef broth or stock.

With all those benefits, it’s easy to see why bouillon cubes are a smart choice for making simple, tasty beef broth right at home. Now let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients Needed

Making beef broth with bouillon cubes requires just a few simple ingredients:

• Water
• Beef bouillon cubes
• Herbs and spices (optional)
• Vegetables (optional)

That’s it! The only essentials are water and the bouillon cubes. But you can also add extras for more flavor dimension. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 cups water – This produces 4 cups of finished broth. Adjust water amount as needed.

• 4-6 beef bouillon cubes – Use more for a stronger broth flavor.

• Herbs – Try parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, etc.

• Spices – Whole black peppercorns, bay leaves, etc.

• Vegetables – Carrots, celery, onion, garlic, etc.

And that’s all you need for making perfect beef broth with bouillon cubes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for making foolproof beef broth:

1. Boil the Water

Add 8 cups of water to a medium stockpot. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Tip: Using hot water helps dissolve the bouillon cubes more quickly.

2. Add the Bouillon Cubes

Once the water is boiling rapidly, add 4 to 6 beef bouillon cubes and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk.

Tip: Crush the cubes slightly before adding to help them dissolve faster.

3. Stir until Dissolved

Keep stirring the broth for 2-3 minutes as the cubes dissolve. Reduce heat to medium-low once fully dissolved.

4. Add Herbs and Spices (optional)

For more flavor depth, add herbs, spices, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc. Tie herbs in a bouquet garni for easy removal.

5. Add Vegetables (optional)

Add vegetable aromatics like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. This boosts flavor.

6. Simmer for 15 Minutes

Let the broth simmer gently for 15 minutes once cubes are dissolved. This infuses the flavors.

7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the broth and add more bouillon cubes if a stronger beef flavor is desired.

8. Strain the Broth (optional)

For clear broth, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or container.

That’s it! Your homemade beef broth is ready to use. Now let’s go over some serving ideas and storage tips.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavor
• For a Mexican-style broth, add diced onions, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, and oregano
• For an Asian broth, use ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and tamari or soy sauce
• Freeze broth in ice cube trays for easy use in recipes later
• Store cooled broth in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Boil broth before freezing for longer freezer storage life
• Add meat scraps or marrow bones for extra body and richness
• Use a combination of beef and chicken cubes for more complexity

The options are endless when making your own broth with bouillon cubes! Adjust the flavor profile to suit your recipe needs.

FAQs

Still have some questions about making beef broth with bouillon cubes? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does beef broth made with cubes last in the fridge?

The broth will keep for 3-5 days when properly refrigerated in an airtight container.

Can I use other types of bouillon cubes?

Yes, you can use chicken, vegetable, or ham cubes. Use any cube flavors suitable for your recipe.

What’s the ratio of cubes to water?

The typical ratio is 1 cube per 1 cup of water. But adjust to your taste preferences. Use more cubes for stronger broth.

Should broth be simmered even when using cubes?

Yes, simmering for at least 15 minutes helps integrate the flavors and gives a richer broth.

Can I freeze broth made with bouillon cubes?

Absolutely! First boil the broth, let it cool, then transfer to airtight containers or bags before freezing.

Can I use bouillon powder instead of cubes?

You sure can! Use about 1 teaspoon of powder per 1 cup of water. Whisk well to dissolve.

What are the best vegetables to add?

Onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, garlic, and parsley stems are great options. Avoid cruciferous veggies like broccoli or cabbage.

Is homemade broth better than store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade has a fresher flavor and you control the ingredients. It wins over store-bought every time.

Get Creative with Your Bouillon Broth

Armed with this easy tutorial, you can now make your own delicious beef broth using bouillon cubes any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this broth your own.

Try adding different seasonings or spices depending on the recipe you’re making. Beef broth is endlessly versatile, so keep experimenting with bouillon cubes to create your perfect broth.

Now go make a warm, cozy pot of soup or stew with your homemade bouillon broth. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of beefy goodness in no time. Enjoy!