If you’re like me, then you know that the kitchen bouquet is a cooking browning sauce with a mild taste that adds color and flavor to vegetables, herbs, and spices. It’s hard to find sometimes, but it’s worth it because the sauce can darken the color of your food.
I was recently out of town and didn’t have my kitchen bouquet with me, so I had to find a substitute. Luckily, I’ve been testing a few alternatives, and I’ve found some that work just as well, if not better.
Here are the substitutes I recommend:
Substitutes For Kitchen Bouquet
- Dark Soy Sauce
- Bragg Liquid Aminos
- Maggi Liquid Seasoning
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Dark Molasses
- Gravy Master
- Parisian Essence
- Coffee Granules
- Liquid Smoke
- Homemade Sauce
- Cocoa
Dark Soy Sauce
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra color to your cooking, you may want to consider substituting the kitchen bouquet with dark soy sauce. Since both have a dark brown color, they help remove the paleness from food.
However, you need to be careful with the salt content in soy sauce, as it can quickly become too salty. If you’re looking for a salt-free option, you may want to try using tamari soy sauce instead.
Bragg Liquid Aminos
Bragg Liquid Aminos is a popular substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce. It is made from soybeans and has a savory, dark, salty flavor similar to soy sauce, which makes it a great option to use in place of kitchen bouquet sauce.
While it is not an exact replacement for the flavor of the kitchen bouquet, it can be a good alternative for those who are looking for a gluten-free or vegan option.
Maggi Liquid Seasoning
Maggi Liquid seasoning is a versatile and flavorful seasoning that can be used as a substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce.
This seasoning has a savory, umami taste that is salty, sweet, and rich. Also, it is a great substitute for the kitchen bouquet because of the same savory flavors without any bitterness.
It is also a great way to add flavor and brown coloring to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades and is available in most grocery stores!
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a savory sauce that can be used as a substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce. It is made from a combination of umami-rich ingredients, which gives it a deep, rich flavor that can add complexity to any dish.
If you are looking to replace the kitchen bouquet with something tastier, it is a good option since it can also be used as a thickening agent, although you should use it sparingly at first to avoid making your dish too salty!
Dark Molasses
Dark molasses is a great substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce. With a caramel taste that can add depth and richness to any dish, it can also be used for browning and thickening, making it a versatile ingredient.
Mix dark molasses with broth to get the same taste as the kitchen bouquet. This will give your dish the same flavor without the need for additional seasonings. Do remember to give it a try in your next recipe!
Gravy Master
Gravy Master is very similar to the kitchen bouquet, so you will not need to make any changes to your dish. Since it is also budget-friendly, it is a great way to add flavor and color to your dish without spending a lot of money.
With its rich taste and deep color, you only need to add a little quantity of it to your dish to get the same flavor and color as the kitchen bouquet.
Parisian Essence
Parisian Essence is a water and caramel-based browning sauce which is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and healthy. It is thick, like the kitchen bouquet, but has a more of a Parisian flavor.
It can be used as a substitute for any recipe that calls for the kitchen bouquet, making it great for adding flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.
Since Parisian dishes are typically very light in color, this can help to give them more of a rustic look, making them an essential ingredient in any Parisian kitchen!
Coffee Granules
Coffee granules are a great substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce since they are readily available in most kitchens and can be used to add a little browning to your dish.
However, they can alter the taste of your food, so be sure to add a little at a time until you reach the desired color. Apart from the color, they can also be used to add depth of flavor to stews and sauces.
When substituting coffee for the kitchen bouquet, be sure to use the type of coffee which suits your dish the best.
Liquid Smoke
Liquid smoke is a yellow or red liquid that imparts a smoky taste to meats and vegetables, making it a great substitute for kitchen bouquet sauce.
You can use it as a barbecue sauce or marinade, apart from flavoring soups, stews, gravies, and sauces, as it can be easily found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.
Homemade Sauce
Homemade sauce is the best and safest substitute for the kitchen bouquet. Although it can be time taking, it is still easy to make.
All you need to do to make it is 1 cup water and beef broth, a half cup sugar, and a dash of salt. Place sugar in a pot and stir. After some time, add the rest of the ingredients. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
And just like that is ready to use after it cools down, but make sure to use it within two weeks.
Cocoa
Cocoa gives any dish the perfect shade of brown or red without using artificial dyes. It is a natural kitchen bouquet substitute that can add a beautiful richness to any dish.
But beware, as just like with artificial dyes, a little cocoa goes a long way, so you might need to use it sparingly and start with a small quantity and then gradually increase it as required.
So if you’re looking for an all-natural way to add a bit of color to your cooking, reach for the cocoa the next time you’re in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the kitchen bouquet and gravy master?
The main difference between the kitchen bouquet and gravy master is the flavor. The kitchen bouquet has a more complex flavor, while the gravy master has a more subtle flavor.
What is the difference between the kitchen bouquet and Parisian Essence?
Parisian Essence is water and caramel-based browning sauce which is thick like the kitchen bouquet but has a more Parisian flavor.
Can I use coffee granules as a kitchen bouquet substitute?
Coffee granules can be used as a kitchen bouquet substitute to add color and depth of flavor to stews and sauces., but they will alter the taste of your food. So be sure to add a little at a time until you reach the desired flavor.
Conclusion
You can use kitchen bouquet substitutes to add flavor to your dish. There are many different types of substitutes, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is important.
When using a kitchen bouquet substitute, follow the recipe closely to ensure that you add the correct amount of flavoring. We hope this article was of help to you!