In a jam for vegetable broth? We’ve got your back. It’s amazing how many kitchen staples can stand in as a solid backup.
We dove into our pantries to see what could do the trick. Spoiler alert: we found some pretty great options.
Our taste tests didn’t lie—these substitutes really hold up. Whether it’s a soup, stew, or sauce, these swaps will save your dish.
The options we’re about to share aren’t just second bests; they’re game savers. Plus, they’re easy to find in your kitchen. No need to run to the store.
7 Easy Substitutes for Vegetable Broth
In case you’re out of vegetable broth, here are some simple substitutes to save the day:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dishes |
Chicken Broth | Rich, savory | Liquid | 1:1 | Soups, stews, sauces |
Beef Broth | Rich, meaty | Liquid | 1:1 | Hearty soups, sauces, braises |
Mushroom Stock | Umami, bold | Liquid | 1:1 | Vegan and vegetarian dishes, soups |
Soy Sauce with Water | Salty, savory | Liquid | To taste | Asian dishes, stir-fries |
Miso Paste with Water | Umami, salty | Liquid | To taste | Asian dishes, soups, marinades |
Stock Cubes | Flavorful | Liquid | Follow package instructions | Various dishes, soups, stews |
Plain Water | Neutral | Liquid | N/A | Recipes with strong existing flavors |
1 – Chicken Broth
Chicken broth steps in for vegetable broth in a snap, bringing a robust flavor to your dishes. We found it works great in a 1:1 swap.
Our soups and stews got a richer taste, much to our happy surprise. It’s all thanks to those chicken flavors.
For folks looking deeper into chicken broth alternatives, peek at easy chicken broth substitutes.
We tossed it into a recipe last Tuesday. The result? Flavorful and comforting.
Remember, it adds a non-veggie twist, so veg friends, this tip’s not for you. But for everyone else, it’s a solid, easy grab from the pantry.
2 – Beef Broth
Beef broth brings the heartiness we all crave in meals. A perfect 1:1 swap for vegetable broth, it enriches dishes with a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
We found that our soups sang with a richer, fuller tone. This was a game we didn’t know we were playing, but boy, did we win.
This isn’t a mere second choice; it’s a decision that elevates. Surprisingly, it slid right into our weekly menu with ease.
3 – Mushroom Stock
Mushroom stock sneaks in as a veggie broth stand-in, flaunting an earthy vibe. Direct swap, 1:1, no sweat.
Our dishes got a rich, deep undertone; think cozy, forest-like whispers in every spoonful. Curious about leveling up with more shroomy secrets? Our go-to was this guide on picking mushroom stock alternatives.
We pitched it against the classic veg broth in last night’s dinner. Outcome? A unanimous nod for more depth.
This swap isn’t just smooth; it’s sneaky good.
4 – Soy Sauce with Water
Mixing soy sauce with water works wonders, blending umami depth with lighter notes. Ratio is key: half soy sauce, half water.
We tried it in a stir-fry. The result? Perfectly balanced, not too salty. For those looking into soy sauce alternatives that actually work, we found this combo nails it.
It’s a handy trick, especially if soy sauce alone feels too intense. Our dishes turned out flavorful yet not overwhelmed.
5 – Miso Paste with Water
Miso paste mixed with water creates a savory swap, ideal for keeping dishes vibrant. We use a simple half-and-half mix.
This blend offers a balanced umami kick without overpowering. We slid it into soup recipes, marveling at the depth it added.
For those curious about tweaking miso’s unique flavor, finding alternatives is a breeze with miso paste variations for cooking.
Our tests revealed that this substitute doesn’t just work; it revolutionizes simple meals.
6 – Stock Cubes
Stock cubes are our go-to for flavor that pops. Simple to use: dissolve one cube in a cup of hot water.
Works like a charm in any dish asking for veg broth. We swapped it in a pinch last Wednesday night. The stew we served had everyone asking for seconds.
A 1:1 ratio, solid for soup, sauces, and more. We noticed no taste trade-off.
Stock cubes save the evening, plus they sit waiting in the pantry. Our secret flavor weapon, no fancy tricks needed.
7 – Plain Water
Plain water is your backup when stocks are scarce. We found it keeps dishes light without adding extra flavors.
It’s a straight swap, one for one, easy for any recipe. Used it in soups; results were surprisingly good.
Think of it as a blank slate. Lets other ingredients’ tastes shine.
Convinced friends it was a stock-based dish last Friday. They didn’t catch on. It’s all about ratio; nailed ours by keeping it simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable broth, but it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Yes, beef broth works well as a substitute for vegetable broth, offering a richer and deeper flavor.
Yes, mushroom stock is a great replacement for vegetable broth, providing an earthy flavor and depth.
Yes, soy sauce with water can work as a broth substitute, offering saltiness and umami flavors.
Yes, miso paste mixed with water can create a flavorful broth substitute with a salty, umami taste.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.