
Stock Cube
A stock cube, also commonly known as a bouillon cube or soup cube, is a dehydrated block of concentrated stock or broth. It's a convenient pantry staple, dissolving easily in hot water to create a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and more. These cubes offer a salty and savory taste, imparting a deep, umami richness to your dishes. Their appearance is typically a small, firm cube, ranging in color from light tan to dark brown depending on the ingredients used such as dehydrated vegetables, herbs, salt, and meat extracts. They provide a quick and easy way to add depth of flavor without the time-consuming process of making stock from scratch, acting as an instant flavor enhancer for countless recipes.
Common Uses
- To make a quick and easy broth for soups and stews: Dissolve a stock cube in hot water according to package directions for an instant and flavorful broth. The broth can be used as a base for vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, or hearty beef stew.
- As a seasoning for rice and grains: Crumble a stock cube into the cooking water when preparing rice, quinoa, or other grains to infuse them with savory flavor. This adds depth beyond just plain water.
- To enhance the flavor of sauces and gravies: Add a small piece of a stock cube to your favorite sauce or gravy recipe to boost its umami and create a richer, more complex flavor profile. Be mindful of the salt content.
- For braising meats and vegetables: Dissolve a stock cube in the braising liquid when slow-cooking meats or vegetables. This will help tenderize the ingredients and create a deeply flavorful sauce as they cook.
- To deglaze a pan after searing meat: After searing meat, deglaze the pan with water and a crumbled stock cube to capture all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This creates a delicious pan sauce to serve with your meat.
- To add flavor to vegetable dishes: Dissolve a stock cube in a small amount of water and pour it over roasted or steamed vegetables to enhance their natural flavors and make them more appealing.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
7.0kcal (0.35%)
Protein
0.3g (0.6%)
Carbs
0.5g (0.18%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.2g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
7.0kcal (0.35%)
Protein
0.3g (0.6%)
Carbs
0.5g (0.18%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.2g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- May provide electrolytes like sodium and potassium, important for hydration.
- Can be used to create flavorful, low-calorie broths and soups, aiding in weight management.
- Provides a source of minerals depending on the ingredients used in the cube (e.g., iodine in some brands).
- Offers a quick and convenient way to add depth of flavor to dishes, potentially reducing the need for excess salt or fat.
- Can be used to create nutritious meals for those with limited cooking skills or time, such as during illness or recovery.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Stock cubes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. An airtight container or resealable bag is ideal to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause the cubes to crumble or lose flavor. Do not refrigerate, as this can introduce moisture. Properly stored stock cubes can last for several months or even years past the 'best by' date, although the flavor may gradually diminish over time.
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