Shrimp stock –If you’re looking to elevate your seafood dishes, mastering the art of making shrimp stock is a must! This flavorful base can enhance your soups, stews, and risottos, adding a depth of flavor that will impress your family and guests. Follow along as we guide you through the simple process of making your own shrimp stock from scratch.
Shrimp Stock Recipe – How to Make Shrimp Stock
Making shrimp stock is easier than you might think. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a rich and aromatic stock that serves as the perfect foundation for countless dishes.

Ingredients
- Shells from 1 pound of shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 6-8 cups cold water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and fragrant.
- Next, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
- Stir in the bay leaf, followed by the cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-45 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After simmering, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot. Discard the solids. Taste the stock and season it with salt and pepper as desired.
- Let the shrimp stock cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
Once you’ve made your shrimp stock, you’ll find endless ways to use it in your cooking. From risottos to seafood soups, this stock will be a prized ingredient in your kitchen. Enjoy your culinary adventure!