Shrimp Stock

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Make this simple shrimp stock infused with shrimp shells, garlic, lemon, and aromatic vegetables as a base for gumbo, étouffée, or any other seafood dish.

Ingredients

shrimp shells from 2 pounds of shrimp, or to taste
1/2 cup roughly chopped onion
1/4 cup roughly chopped celery
1/4 cup celery leaves, or to taste
1 medium lemon, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 large bay leaves
8 cups cold water

Directions

1 Combine shrimp shells, onion, celery, celery leaves, lemon, garlic, peppercorns, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves in a saucepan. Pour in water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until reduced by half, skimming off foam as necessary, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2 Strain and discard solids. Use immediately, or let cool to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze for later use.