beef stock

Beef Stock

Beef stock is a flavorful liquid made by simmering beef bones, meat scraps, and vegetables in water. Its rich, savory flavor forms the base for countless dishes. Good beef stock has a deep, meaty taste, often with hints of roasted beef and aromatics from the added vegetables. The best homemade beef stock is typically a deep brown color and has a slightly gelatinous texture when chilled, due to the collagen extracted from the bones. It is a fundamental ingredient for adding depth and complexity to recipes.

Common Uses

  • To make a rich and flavorful beef gravy: Use beef stock as the base for creating a delectable beef gravy, perfect for serving over roast beef, mashed potatoes, or Yorkshire pudding.
  • For braising tough cuts of meat: Slowly braising tougher cuts of meat, such as brisket or short ribs, in beef stock helps to tenderize them while infusing them with savory flavor.
  • To enhance the flavor of soups and stews: Add beef stock to soups and stews, like beef stew, French onion soup, or vegetable soup, to enhance their depth and richness.
  • As a base for sauces: Use beef stock as the foundation for creating complex and flavorful sauces, like demi-glace or bordelaise sauce, which are often served with steaks or other grilled meats.
  • In risotto for added depth of flavor: Substituting water with beef stock when making risotto will impart a rich, savory flavor that complements other ingredients like mushrooms or Parmesan cheese.
  • For deglazing pans after searing meat: Deglazing a pan with beef stock after searing meat helps to release the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom, creating a delicious pan sauce.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

10.0kcal (0.5%)

Protein

0.8g (1.6%)

Carbs

1.0g (0.36%)

Sugars

0.2g (0.4%)

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • May support gut health due to the presence of collagen and gelatin.
  • Can contribute to joint health thanks to collagen and glycosaminoglycans.
  • Provides essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, important for bone health.
  • Contains amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which are vital for muscle repair and growth.
  • Can be a source of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, crucial for hydration.
  • Often lower in calories than some other stocks and broths, aiding in weight management.

Storage Tips

Beef stock should be cooled completely before storing. For short-term storage (3-4 days), keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage (2-3 months), freeze the stock in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. When reheating frozen stock, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently heat it on the stovetop.

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