Make your own vegan beef broth and bouillon powder in about 5 minutes. This quick, umami-rich seasoning will elevate soups, stews, sauces, and many vegan dishes. A pantry essential for savory cooking.
Uses: Ideal for vegan beef stew, vegan pho, vegan chili, and any recipe that benefits from a deeper savory flavor. Keep a jar on hand to quickly boost the taste of sauces, grains, braises, and vegetarian “meat” dishes.
This homemade vegan beef bouillon powder is extremely convenient. Stir a tablespoon into a cup of hot water to make a rich, savory broth that improves soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. It’s simple, flavorful, and more economical than many store-bought bouillons.
Powdered bouillon is easy to store and lasts a long time, making it a practical pantry staple for busy cooks who want better flavor without extra effort.
Ingredients for vegan beef bouillon powder
- Shiitake powder: Ground dried shiitake mushrooms provide deep umami and a savory “meaty” backbone. If you don’t have shiitake powder, grind dried cremini or porcini for a similar effect.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a nutty, slightly cheesy flavor that rounds out the savory profile. Brewer’s yeast, dried vegan cheese powder, or ground cashews can work in a pinch.
- Salt — balances and enhances all flavors.
- Onion powder — sweet and aromatic base note.
- Garlic powder — classic savory lift.
- Paprika — adds color and mild sweetness; smoked paprika gives extra depth.
- Dried thyme — earthy herb flavor.
- Dried rosemary — piney, savory note (use sparingly if preferred).
- Ground black pepper — brightens and seasons.
Exact measurements and the full recipe are provided in the recipe card below.
How to make vegan beef broth and bouillon powder
Step 1: Put all bouillon ingredients into a blender, spice grinder, or food processor.
Step 2: Process until the mixture is a fine, uniform powder.
Step 3: To make broth, add 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder to 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water in a jar or mug.
Step 4: Stir or whisk until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
Storage instructions
Bouillon powder: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place for up to six months. Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures; refrigeration or freezing can change texture and flavor.
Prepared broth: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. Freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave-safe container. Thaw frozen broth overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Swap or add dried herbs such as oregano, bay leaf, or parsley. Experiment with spices like turmeric, chili powder, or ground ginger, and consider dried vegetables (tomato powder, dried celery, or bell pepper) for extra flavor complexity.
Yes. Omit the salt and season dishes later to taste. This lets you control sodium for individual recipes.
All main ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. If you use any packaged or flavored ingredients, check their labels to confirm they are certified gluten-free.
Absolutely. This bouillon-based broth can substitute vegetable broth and will give a richer, more savory, “beef-like” depth to stews, risottos, gravies, and sauces.
Use it to flavor sautéed proteins like soy curls, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or beans for tacos and bowls. Add it to sauces for vegan meatballs, use it in shepherd’s pie fillings, stews, stroganoff, risotto, and gravies. It also works well as a braising liquid for roasted vegetables and plant-based roasts.
More vegan kitchen basics
- Chicken-style seasoning blend
- Vegan fish sauce alternative
- Vegan Worcestershire-style sauce
- Vegan Parmesan-style cheese
- Vegan buttermilk substitute
- Plant-based heavy cream alternative
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
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Add ingredients: Place all bouillon ingredients in a blender or spice grinder.
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Blend into a fine powder: Process until evenly ground and well combined.
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Mix with hot water: Add 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder to 1 cup (240 ml) hot water. Stir until dissolved.
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Taste and adjust: Add a little more salt, a splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos for extra umami, or strain if you prefer a smoother broth.
Notes
- Store the bouillon powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Avoid exposure to moisture.
- Leftover broth keeps in the refrigerator for up to five days or can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw frozen broth in the fridge before reheating.
- You can strain the prepared broth for a smoother texture if desired, though it’s optional.
- To deepen color and umami, add a small splash of darker soy sauce or liquid aminos when mixing the broth.
Nutrition
| Calories: 14 kcal
Leave a comment below and share how it turned out and any customizations you made.