Make any recipe better by using a homemade, rich stock. It's simple to make, easy to freeze, and adds a flavor foundation that will elevate the entire dish.
Servings 12Cups
Cuisine Cajun, Creole
Course Stock
Calories 63
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour50 minutesminutes
Here's What You Need
4quartsshrimp shells with heads
¼cupmargarine - See Notes
1large onion - quartered
3stalksCelery - with leaves
2largecarrots
1headsgarlic - sliced in half
1Bunchgreen onions
1bunchparsley - tied together
10peppercorns - in spice bag
4quartscold water
Herb and Spice Blend-Tied in a Bouguet Garni
1ouncefresh thyme - See Notes
1ouncefresh basil - See Notes
1ouncefresh oregano - See Notes
2bay leaves
Here's What You Do
Roasting the Shells (optional)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. (See Notes)
Spread shrimp shells and heads in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. (Use two baking sheets if necessary).
Pour melted margarine over the shells; mix the margarine on all the shells.
Place baking sheets in preheated oven and let roast for about 20 minutes.
Prepare Remaining Ingredients
Quarter the yellow onion. Chop the celery into short pieces. Tie the herbs together in a Bouquet Garni; tie the parsley and the green onions into Bouquets Garni. Place peppercorns and bay leaves in a small garni (spice) bag.
Make the Stock
Add a little vegetable oil to a Dutch oven over medium heat; add the cut vegetables (yellow onions, carrot, and garlic), cut side down, to the stockpot; saute until slightly seared, about 8 minutes.
Add the roasted (with any liquid generated during roasting) or raw shells to the stockpot; stir and saute until the shells turn pinkish-red, about 5 minutes.
Add the celery (with leaves), Bouquets Garni, and the garni bag to the Dutch oven.
Add the cold water to about 1 inch above the shells.
Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a slight boil, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a slight simmer. (See Notes)
Maintain a very low simmer for about 1 hour. Do not stir.
From time to time, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. Do not stir the impurities back into the stock.
Turn off the heat and allow the stock to cool so it will be easier to handle and the flavors continue to blend.
Place a strainer or colander over a large bowl; using a slotted spoon, remove the solids and drain until all the solids have been removed.
Discard all the solids and return the drained stock back into the stockpot.
Place a fine mesh strainer, and pour the liquid through to remove any remaining solids. (See Notes)
The stock can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. If the stock will not be used within a couple of days, place the strained stock in freezer containers, label the containers, and freeze for up to six months.
Notes
For full step-by-step photos, substitution ideas, and extra tips, see my article Homemade Shrimp Stock.Roasting or sautéing the shells first deepens flavor through the Maillard reaction, adding toasted, umami-rich notes that give the stock more complexity.Keep the simmer as low as possible to prevent cloudiness. Skim off any foam or impurities, and don’t stir them back in.Line your strainer with cheesecloth or a damp paper towel for a clear, clean stock.Save shrimp shells in the freezer after peeling—when you’ve collected enough, make a batch of stock.Use fresh herbs if possible. Tie them in a bouquet garni so they’re easy to remove. If using dried herbs, place them with the peppercorns and bay leaf in a small spice bag.Choose herbs that support the seafood flavor—thyme, basil, marjoram, parsley, and oregano are all good options.Never add salt when making stock; season the final dish instead. A salty stock can make your finished recipe too salty.