Never Tried Marmite Before? Here’s How It Can Transform Your Cooking

Marmite—a thick, dark, and gooey spread—is a staple in many UK households. In 2022, one survey found that nearly half of Brits love Marmite for its incredibly salty, umami-rich flavor. While most people enjoy it on toast, just a small drop of this powerful spread packs an umami punch, making it a secret weapon for enhancing a wide range of dishes. From hearty stews to cheesy toasties to creamy stroganoff, discover how to embrace Marmite in your cooking below.

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What is Marmite?

Marmite—which is made from concentrated yeast extract, a byproduct from beer brewing—was first introduced in the early 1900s by The Marmite Food Company in Staffordshire, UK. More than a century later, it’s still made with concentrated yeast, giving it its signature dark color, intensely salty taste, and thick, sticky texture. While Marmite remains a British favorite, it has also gained popularity worldwide, from the US to Australia—where a similar spread, Vegemite, is widely enjoyed.

Marmite

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What is Marmite used for in cooking?

Marmite is famously divisive—some love it, many hate it, and few remain indifferent to its bold taste and distinct aroma. But even for those who find Marmite overpowering on its own, it can be a handy cooking ingredient. Just a small spoonful stirred into soups, stews, gravies, or even pasta sauces adds a deep, rich umami flavor that enhances the overall dish without making it taste overwhelmingly of Marmite. 

Vegan recipes with marmite

Keep reading to find out some of our favorite ways to cook with Marmite.

My Plantiful Cooking

1 Easy Marmite Baked Tempeh

According to recipe developer Jim Mee Sha of My Plantiful Cooking, “this baked Marmite tempeh is a great place to start for those of you who are new to Marmite.” She adds that there is only “a hint” of Marmite flavor, which “you can barely taste.” What you can taste, however, is the depth of umami that Marmite brings to the recipe. Other ingredients like soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, and optional Shaoxing wine contribute to making this baked tempeh a medley of robust flavors.
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Connoisseurus Veg

2 Portobello Beef(less) Stew

This vegan portobello stew delivers deep, meaty richness without beef. Mushrooms, potatoes, and veggies simmer in a red wine broth, but it’s Marmite that adds an intense umami depth. Just a teaspoon or two enhances the savory, hearty flavor, making this a comforting, flavor-packed dish. “This vegan beef stew was super cozy and delicious, and this is coming from someone who didn’t even like beef stew in her omnivore days,” writes recipe developer Alissa Saenz.
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Vegan Punks

3 Marmite Roast Potatoes and Broccoli With Garlic and Rosemary

Madeleine Olivia

4 Marmite, Avocado, and Mushroom Toastie

Toastie lovers, you need to try this unique ingredient combination. The salty umami of Marmite enhances the earthy mushrooms and fresh ingredients, making for a satisfying lunch. “Combining avocado and tomatoes with marmite and mushrooms makes this toastie a bit different, but full of unexpected and tasty flavor combinations,” writes recipe developer Madeleine Olivia. “The combination of salty, fatty, and juicy really is the key to a successful sandwich.”
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Krumpli

5Mushroom Stroganoff

The addition of Marmite in this comforting, roux-based stroganoff enhances the dish with rich, umami flavor, complementing the earthy mushrooms and the mustard.  “The addition of marmite may be controversial,” writes recipe developer Brian Jones. “But it is a flavor enhancer rather than a flavor that dominates. I dislike the stuff spread on toast, but add it to something like veggie gravy […] and it is pure magic.”
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