How to Make Shrimp Stock
The next time you have a batch of shrimp shells, DO NOT throw them away. This simple shrimp stock is incredibly easy to make, economical, and freezable, too. It's a great way to boost flavors of soups, stews, and sauces.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Ingredient, Soup
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 147kcal
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
- 4 cups shrimp heads and shells
- 1 onion, quartered with skins on
- 1 large carrot, cut into chunks
- 1 celery stalk, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, pounded
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- 6 cups cold water
In a large stock pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add shrimp heads and shells and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 10 minutes or until color changes to pink.
Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water.
Bring to a boil, skimming any scum or foam that floats on top.
Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the liquid has turned to light-orange color. Occasionally skim foam on the surface and press the shrimp heads with the back of the spoon to extract more flavor.
Using a fine-mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth or clean tea towel, strain stock and discard shrimps and aromatics.
Allow to cool and transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for a few hours and skim off any layer of fat that rises to the top.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Use yellow onion in making this shrimp stock; the peels or skin of the onion help deepen the color of the stock giving it a beautiful golden color.
- For a clear, clean stock, skim the scum that floats on top as the stock comes to its initial boil. This foam is coagulated protein and excess fat that can cloud the stock.
- After the initial boil, make sure to cook in a gentle simmer as the agitation from rapid or high heat might break up the protein and cloud the stock.
- The longer the stock simmers, the more concentrated the flavor.
Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 258mg | Sodium: 821mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2038IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg