Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (2024)

Homemade Shellfish Stock is a luscious liquid full of lobster flavor. Use to make soups, bisque, and pho. Needless to say, the aroma that will permeate your kitchen will make you hungry. Shellfish stock is just as quick and easy to make as chicken bone or beef bone stock. Most importantly, don’t throw away your seafood shells. Make shrimp stock, crab stock, or seafood stock. Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (1)

What is the Difference Between Stock and Broth:

Broth is a liquid cooked with meat. In fact, the major difference is stock is made with bones. Consequently, it normally contains a mirepoix (celery, onion, and carrots). Stock often has bones or shells. Often times the bones will release marrow into the liquid thereby making it healthier and tastier. While roasting can be skipped it does, however, enhance the flavor of the stock. Stock is therefore used as a base in many other recipes such as soups, gravies, or other items.

Homemade Shellfish Stock:

In any case, don’t throw out your lobster, shrimp, crab, clam, or mussel shells. By the way, I simply place my shells into a freezer bag until I have enough to make stock. Subsequently, I freeze my lobster shells and shrimp shells separately. However, if you are going to make a seafood stew they can all be stored together. Often times I smash the shells. Smashing lobster shells will make them easier to store in the freezer. Hence, to smash place shells into a large sealable plastic bag and smash the shells with a hammer.

In conclusion, I allowed my stock to chill overnight in the refrigerator and the butter solids came to the surface.

Personal Notes:

Nonetheless, homemade stock tastes far better than any you could purchase. Not to mention, if I have shelled out the money for seafood I don’t want to waste anything. This stock can also be canned. Follow canning directions for pressure canning from the manufacturer.

Without a doubt, the quickest way to preserve the stock is to freeze it.

Nevertheless, if you can’t find Marsala Wine or are in need of a good Stock Pot Amazon has both. Check out my Turkey Bone Broth.

Homemade Shellfish Stock:

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups of water
  • 3 cups white wine
  • 1/3 cup sliced onion
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup Marsala wine or white wine * (optional)
  • 1 sprig dill
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup sliced celery
  • 8 lobster shells, or 2 cups shrimp shells, or 2 large crab shells,
  • 1/3 cup sliced carrots

Directions:

First, preheat your oven to 4oo* F. Second, place your shellfish shells onto a baking sheet. Roast the shells for 10 minutes. However, roasting the shells will enhance the flavor of your stock. Allow shells to cool slightly before placing them into a large stockpot. Next, place the carrots and celery in the bottom of the pan. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the shells. Place the shells on top.Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (2) Finally, bring the liquid to a simmer. Don’t allow the stock to boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 3 – 4 hours. Once the stock has finished cooking remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool. Strain through a sieve to remove the shells and any large particles.

Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (3) Lastly, place the 1 1/2 cup per quart-size freezer bag.Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (4) Date and label each freezer bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Stores for up to six months. If desiring a clear broth pour through a sieve to remove butter solids.

Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe

Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe how to make DIY seafood shell broth from scratch to create other recipes. Pour into freezer bags and freeze.

Course Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Bread for Soup, Clamshells, Crab, Homemade from Scratch, Lobster Recipe, Mussel, Shellfish, Shrimp, Stock

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 hours hours

10 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 7 cups

Calories 157kcal

Equipment

Stockpot

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup sliced onions
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup Marsala Wine optional
  • 1 sprig dill
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped celery
  • 8 approximately 2 cups lobster shells, or shrimp shells, or crab shells, or clam shells,
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped carrots

Instructions

  • First, preheat your oven to 4oo* F.

  • Second, place your shellfish shells on to a baking sheet and place into the oven. Roa

  • Roast the shells for 10 minutes.

  • Allow shells to cool slightly before placing them into a large stockpot.

  • Next, place the carrots and celery in the bottom of the pan.

  • Finally, add in the remaining ingredients except for the lobster shells.

  • Place the shells on top.

  • Finally, bring the liquid to a simmer.

  • Don't allow the stock to boil.

  • Reduce the heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours.

  • Once the stock has finished cooking remove from the heat.

  • Allow to cool.

  • Strain through a sieve to remove the shells and any large particles.

  • Lastly, place the 1 1/2 cup per each quart-size freezer bag.

  • Date and label each freezer bag.

  • Lay the bag flat in the freezer.

  • Stores for up to six months.

  • If desiring a clear broth pour through a sieve to remove butter solids.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Servings7.0
Amount Per Serving
Calories157
% Daily Value *
Total Fat13g21%
Saturated Fat8g41%
Monounsaturated Fat4g
Polyunsaturated Fat1g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol38mg13%
Sodium361mg15%
Potassium87mg2%
Total Carbohydrate2g1%
Dietary Fiber0g2%
Sugars1g
Protein2g3%
Vitamin A156%
Vitamin C1%
Calcium16%
Iron0%
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal

Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (6)Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (7)

Homemade Shellfish Stock Recipe made with empty seafood shells (2024)

FAQs

Can you use mussel shells in seafood stock? ›

* Both raw and cooked shells are a wonderful addition to the seafood stock pot. Stock made of shrimp, crab and crawfish shells is one of the secrets of Cajun cookery. Lobster, clam and mussel shells make wonderful stock as well.

Can crab shells be used for stock? ›

I've used crab shells, shrimp shells, and a mix of both and they all yield delicious results. You can even add in some fish bones if you have them. The stock comes together in just twenty minutes of simmering.

What is seafood stock made of? ›

But a good seafood stock can be made with any sort of crab, or lobsters, crawfish, shrimp, or fish. Really what makes a nice seafood stock is a mix of seafood, a grab bag of shells and bones you might otherwise throw away.

What to do with shrimp heads and shells? ›

Rinse the shrimp heads and shells under cold water, and place them in a stockpot with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes. Allow to cool thoroughly, strain and refrigerate or freeze.

What happens to empty mussel shells? ›

Those around the Chesapeake Bay, for instance, have an organization that collects the shells and uses them as bedding material for oyster spats (baby oysters). They can also be crushed for landscaping purposes and for paving.

Is there anything you can do with mussel shells? ›

Mussel shells are perfect for - of course - stuffed mussels. They also make a great cooking and serving vessel for many other appetizers. (I use them mostly for appetizers because of their size.)

What can I do with empty crab shells? ›

What you CAN do, however, is save the shells from crab, lobster, and shrimp when you remove them from the meat, either before or after cooking. Set them aside and boil them in some clean water along with some salt, black peppercorns, garlic and mirepoix, then *strain all of that out* to make shellfish stock.

What can be done with crab shells? ›

Crab Stock: The shells and innards of the crab can be used to make a flavorful stock that can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. Crab Bisque: Crab bisque is a rich and creamy soup that is made with crab stock, crab meat, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings.

Can crab shells be used for anything? ›

Chitosan, found in the shells of crustaceans, is a surprisingly versatile compound that can be used to make everything from fertilizers to food preservers. Crab shells contain chitosan, a valuable compound with a broad range of applications.

What are the 4 ingredients in stock? ›

Stocks are prepared with a few basic ingredients including bones, mirepoix, herbs and spices, and sometimes tomatoes or wine.

What is the difference between seafood stock and seafood broth? ›

Generally speaking, a seafood broth is the same thing as a seafood stock, especially when we're referring to store-bought versions. In the culinary world, the word stock is more common when referring to fish, lobster, crab, and shrimp stock.

Can you overcook seafood stock? ›

One common mistake when cooking with seafood stock is overcooking the stock. Since the essence of seafood is delicate, it only requires a short simmer before it imparts its full flavor. High heat or prolonged cooking will not only cloud the stock but can also reduce its freshness.

Can shrimp shells be used for anything? ›

If you peel your shrimp for a dish before you cooking, don't throw away the shells. You might as well be dumping flavor down the drain. The exoskeleton is packed with rich sugars that easily react and infuse into water, which makes it a prime choice for the fastest stock you will ever make.

What can shrimp shells be used for? ›

It is generally safe to eat shrimp shells, as they are made up of chitin, a type of fiber that is found in the shells of crustaceans. The shells can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are often used to make stocks and broths or to add flavor to dishes.

Are shrimp shells good for anything? ›

Shrimp shell is a part rich in lean protein, healthy fats and minerals but often overlooked. Regular consumption of shellfish can boost immunity, aid in weight loss, and promote brain and heart health. However, this type of shell can be allergenic and contains some heavy metals.

What can I do with old mussel shells? ›

So, you can add whole shells to your garden bed or compost pile, but they will break down slowly. If you want them to break down faster, put them in a bag and take a hammer to them, THEN add them to your compost or garden. Now, get cracking. Start composting your shells!

What is the best way to dispose of mussel shells? ›

Where to throw them, then? Once the spaghetti is finished and the mussels have been cleaned, the shells must be disposed of in the dry undifferentiated waste bin.

Can you eat mussel broth? ›

The broth itself you can eat like soup or simply throw caution to the wind and either dunk your bread or place your bread on a plate and spoon the broth over it. Mussels can also be sautéed in the shell or out of the shell.

What is the difference between oyster shells and mussel shells? ›

Mussels have darker blue or black shells that are more oblong in shape and can have an iridescent sheen to them. Oyster shells have a rougher texture than mussel shells and can be brown, white or gray. Oyster shells are a little more irregular in shape, too, especially when compared to clams or mussels.

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