Quick Answer
Generally, 1 bouillon cube is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of broth base. So to make 1 cup of broth, you would need approximately 16 bouillon cubes. However, bouillon cube strengths can vary between brands, so it’s best to check the packaging for specific equivalents. Start with 8-12 cubes per cup of water and adjust to taste.
How Many Bouillon Cubes in a Cup of Broth?
The number of bouillon cubes needed to make 1 cup of broth can vary depending on the brand and type of cube used. Here is a breakdown of common equivalents:
- Knorr Bouillon Cubes – 16 cubes per 1 cup of water
- Better Than Bouillon – 1.5 tsp per 1 cup of water
- Maggi Bouillon Cubes – 12 cubes per 1 cup of water
- Wyler’s Bouillon Cubes – 8 cubes per 1 cup of water
- Oxo Bouillon Cubes – 8-12 cubes per 1 cup of water
As you can see, most bouillon cubes are concentrated, so only a small amount is needed to flavor a cup of liquid. The richer the broth, the fewer cubes required. On average, plan on using 8-16 cubes per cup of water.
Tips for Making Broth with Bouillon Cubes
Here are some tips for making great tasting broth with bouillon cubes:
- Start with cold or room temperature water. Dropping cubes into already hot water can make the broth taste uneven.
- Add cubes one at a time, stirring until fully dissolved before adding more. This helps distribute the flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. More cubes can be added to make a richer broth.
- For clear broths, strain the liquid after cubes have dissolved to remove any solid particles.
- For extra flavor, add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc.
- Combine chicken and beef cubes for more complex flavor in mixed broths.
- Use within 1-2 days for best quality and flavor.
Following package directions and tasting as you go will help ensure your broth turns out perfectly seasoned with bouillon cubes. Start with less and add more to suit your taste preferences.
Substituting Bouillon Cubes for Broth in Recipes
Bouillon cubes can be a quick substitute for broth called for in many recipes. Here are some tips:
- Use 1 cube + 1 cup water to replace 1 cup broth.
- For richer broths, use 2-3 cubes per 1 cup of water.
- Reduce any additional salt in the recipe since cubes are salty.
- For sauce recipes, you may need to thicken the liquid after adding cubes.
- Add cubes to soups, risottos, gravies, braises, etc. for instant flavor.
- Dissolve cubes first before adding to recipes to prevent uneven seasoning.
When substituting bouillon for broth, taste the resulting liquid first before adding to your dish. You may need to adjust seasonings to account for the highly concentrated flavor in cubes.
Disadvantages of Bouillon Cubes
While convenient, bouillon cubes do have some downsides compared to homemade or canned broths:
- Can contain more sodium, preservatives, and MSG.
- Provide concentrated flavor but lack complexity compared to long-simmered broths.
- Not suitable for drinking straight as broth due to high salt content.
- Some brands have artificial, unpleasant aftertastes.
- Not cost effective for making large quantities compared to broth.
- Contain little nutritional value compared to broth made with bones/meat.
To avoid the downsides of bouillon cubes, look for low sodium, MSG-free options or use them sparingly in combination with homemade broths. Canned or boxed broths offer a convenient alternative with more complexity.
Cost Comparison
* Bouillon cubes – $0.10 to $0.30 per cube
* Canned broth (14 oz) – $1.50 to $3 per can
* Boxed broth (32 oz) – $2 to $5 per carton
* Homemade broth – Cost of bones/meat + vegetables + time
For small amounts of broth, bouillon cubes can be the most affordable option at only $0.10-0.30 per serving. However, for making quarts of broth, canned or boxed options provide more volume for less money overall. And homemade broth has the benefit of using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Nutrition Comparison
Since bouillon cubes are highly concentrated, their nutrition profile looks different than regular broth:
| 1 Knorr Beef Bouillon Cube | 1 cup Swanson Beef Broth |
|---|---|
|
|
As you can see, bouillon cubes contain very little protein or other nutrients compared to real broth made with bones and meat. The main nutritional factor is the high sodium content. So bouillon should be used sparingly or in combination with lower sodium broths.
Shelf Life of Bouillon Cubes
Unopened, bouillon cubes can last quite a long time in your pantry:
- Foil wrapped cubes – Up to 2 years past printed expiration date
- Paper wrapped cubes – Up to 1 year past printed date
Once opened, it’s best to use bouillon cubes within 3-6 months for optimal flavor. Properly stored in a cool, dry place, they retain potency well. But over time, the flavors can degrade and cubes dry out.
Rehydrated bouillon only keeps for about 1-2 days in the fridge before growing bacteria or mold. For longer storage, broth made with cubes can be frozen for 2-3 months.
So feel confident stocking up on bouillon cubes when on sale. Just be diligent about labeling packages with opening dates and using within recommended time frames.
Common Questions
Can you drink bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water?
It’s not recommended to drink bouillon cubes straight, even when dissolved in hot water. The sodium content is dangerously high, containing about 40-50% of the recommended daily value per cube. Consuming multiple cups could cause health issues. Bouillon cubes are meant for flavoring broths and dishes in small amounts. Drink homemade broth instead for a tasty, healthier alternative.
Do bouillon cubes expire?
Yes, bouillon cubes can expire and degrade in quality over time. Unopened cubes typically last 2 years past the printed date, while opened cubes are best within 3-6 months. After long storage, bouillon cubes can dry out, get sticky, or develop stale, bitter flavors. Always check packages for an expiration or best by date and proper storage instructions. If cubes smell or taste off, it’s best to discard them.
Can you substitute bouillon powder for cubes?
Yes, bouillon powder can substitute for cubes in most recipes. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder per 1 bouillon cube called for. Taste the resulting broth and adjust seasonings accordingly. Powders offer the convenience of bouillon without having to portion out individual cubes. Just note that some contain anti-caking agents not found in cubes.
Conclusion
Bouillon cubes offer a quick way to add savory broth flavor using just hot water. While there is some variability between brands, on average 8-16 bouillon cubes can replace one cup of broth. For best results, start with less and add more cubes to taste, stirring until fully dissolved. Bouillon broth works well mixed into recipes but isn’t ideal for sipping plain due to the high sodium content. Look for lower sodium options and complement cubes with homemade broths when possible. Stored properly, unopened bouillon cubes can last over 2 years in the pantry.
