Shellfish Stock Recipes

SEAFOOD STOCK

Steps:

• Warm the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells, onions, carrots, and celery and saute for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add 1 1/2 quarts of water, the white wine, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Strain through a sieve, pressing the solids. You should have approximately 1 quart of stock. You can make up the difference with water or wine if you need to.

SHRIMP STOCK

Steps:

• Combine shrimp shells, onion, lemon, chopped celery, celery leaves, garlic, peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaves in a saucepan. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until reduced by 1/2, skimming off foam as necessary, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Strain and use or freeze for later use.

SOPHIA'S HOMEMADE SEAFOOD STOCK

Steps:

• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stockpot. Cook and stir onions in the hot oil for 5 minutes. Add celery, carrots, and bell peppers and saute for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro, oregano, and bay leaves. Saute for 2 minutes more. Add water, fish parts, fish heads, clam juice, and peppercorns.
• Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and let simmer, uncovered, for at least 4 hours. Turn off heat and let cool for about 30 minutes.
• Remove bulk items from stock using a skimmer or slotted spoon. Strain stock through a fine-mesh strainer into a large container, making sure all fish bones have been removed. Use or freeze for future use.

SEAFOOD STOCK

Steps:

• Warm the oil in a medium pot set over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells, onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Add 1 1/2 quarts water, the wine, tomato paste, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for one hour. Strain through a sieve, pressing on the solids. You should have approximately 1 quart of stock. If not, add enough water or white wine to make 1 quart.
• Cool completely, transfer to containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

SHELLFISH STOCK

Steps:

• Heat an 8-quart stockpot over high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and lobster and saute until the shells turn bright red.
• Remove the pan from the heat, add the Cognac, then return to the heat and allow the alcohol to burn off, about 15 to 20 seconds. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste and stir. Add the remaining ingredients and cover with cold water.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, skim, and reduce the heat. Simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cool slightly and strain through a fine sieve. The stock will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze in 1-cup batches.