Traditional broths are meat-based while stocks are bone-based. This subtle difference makes stocks a thicker liquid compared to broths.
Stocks and broths are flavorful liquids that are used to make sauces and soups, or consumed on their own.
This article explains the differences between stocks and broths, and gives instructions for how to make and use each.
In most cases, stock and broth are interchangeable. If you’re in the soup aisle and can’t remember whether the recipe called for stock or broth, either will do for making soup, gravy, or a flavorful pot of rice or grains. Keep in mind that stock is unseasoned, and broth is seasoned.
Broth Is Lighter and More Flavorful
Broth is traditionally made by simmering meat in water, often with vegetables and herbs. This flavored liquid is then used for a variety of culinary purposes.
In the past, the term “broth” was only used to refer to meat-based liquids. Today, however, vegetable broth has become very common.
The most common flavors of broth are chicken, beef and vegetable, though nearly any type of meat can be used.
Bone broth has also become extremely popular in the past few years, and is made by simmering bones, vegetables and herbs in water for up to 24 hours.
Though it is frequently called a broth, bone broth is technically stock because it requires the addition of bones.
In order to avoid confusion, the rest of this article will refer to bone broth as stock.
Because of the rich flavor of broth that comes from meat, vegetables and herbs, you can drink broth plain. People often do this to remedy a cold or the flu.
In fact, drinking warm, steaming broth is an effective way to loosen up mucus when you have a stuffy nose. It is even more effective in the form of chicken soup.
Broth is cooked for a relatively short amount of time, since meat will become tough if you cook it for too long. Therefore, if you’re making broth, remove the meat as soon as it is fully cooked, after no longer than an hour.
The meat can then be used for another recipe, or chopped and added back to the finished broth to create chicken soup, for example.
Broth is thinner than stock and more flavorful than water. Therefore, it is most commonly used as a base for soups or as a cooking liquid.
Here are some of the most common dishes broth is used in:
- Cream sauces
- Risotto
- Dumplings
- Casseroles
- Stuffing
- Cooked grains and legumes
- Gravies
- Soups
- Sautéed or stir-fried dishes
What About Bouillon, Consommé and Bone Broth?
In addition to broth and stock, here are a few related terms worth discussing.
Bouillon is simply the French word for broth. However, it is often used in place of broth, especially in the case of bouillon cubes.
Bouillon cubes are simply broth that has been dehydrated and shaped into small blocks. They must then be mixed with water and rehydrated before use.
Consommé is a stock that has been further concentrated and refined by a process involving simmering the stock with egg whites, meat and vegetables.
Impurities are then skimmed from the surface.
Bone broth is gaining a reputation as a superfood. However, as mentioned previously, bone broth is simply a new term for a very traditional food: stock.
Bone broth differs from stock in that it may be cooked longer. It may also include an acidic component like vinegar to aid in breaking down connective tissue.
Aside from these distinctions, stock and bone broth are essentially the same thing.
What’s The Difference Between Chicken Stock and Broth? | Southern Living
FAQ
What happens if you use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?
Does it matter if you use stock or broth?
Are chicken stock and bone broth interchangeable?
Is drinking chicken stock the same as bone broth?
Can chicken stock and broth be used interchangeably?
Yes, chicken stock and broth can definitely be used interchangeably and with the same measurement. The main thing that you want to be cognizant of is the flavor differences and nutritional information. Related: Does Stock Have More Flavor Than Broth?
What are the healthy substitutes of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is an easy substitute for chicken broth. It has a very similar Flavor and color. Vegetable broth has a high amount of minerals because of vegetables, it prevents several diseases. Full of phytochemicals prevents eye diseases, cancer and heart problems. Immunity booster. Vegetable broth remains fresh and edible in a refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
When should I use chicken stock or chicken broth?
There are no strict rules as to when you should use chicken stock or chicken broth. They have their differences, but they *are* pretty similar. There are a few factors of each you can bear in mind to make the most of each base.
Are stock and broth interchangeable?
In most cases, stock and broth are interchangeable. If you’re in the soup aisle and can’t remember whether the recipe called for stock or broth, either will do for making soup, gravy, or a flavorful pot of rice or grains. Keep in mind that stock is unseasoned, and broth is seasoned.