Basic Fish Stock Recipes

Steps:

• Wash the bones in cold water to remove any scales or unwanted materials, then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Quickly bring just to a boil, then lower the heat to a slow simmer and cook 1 hour.
• While the stock simmers, skim and discard any coagulated proteins from the fish bones that rise to the surface. Remove from the heat, pour the stock through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, and then cool as quickly as possible in an ice water bath. Refrigerated and covered, the fish stock should keep well for up to 1 week. The stock can also be kept frozen as long as 6 months.

Steps:

• Heat saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil, shallots, garlic halves, fennel, peppercorns, carrot and saute for a few minutes. Add fish bone and continue to saute for 5 minutes then add wine and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes and strain. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Steps:

• 1. In a 7- to 8-quart stockpot, combine the fish bones, white wine, and just enough water to cover (you won't need the full 2 quarts of water here). Bring to a boil, skimming off the white foam from the top of the stock as it approaches boiling, then reduce the heat so the stock simmers. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove.)
• 2. Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and stir them into the liquid. If the ingredients are not covered by the liquid, add a little more water. Allow the stock to simmer gently for 20 minutes.
• 3. Remove the stock from the stove, stir it again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it has completely cooled and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• For equipment, you will need a 7- to 8-quart stockpot, a ladle, and a fine-mesh strainer.

Steps:

• 1. Melt the butter in a heavy 7- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables become very soft without browning, about 8 minutes.
• 2. Place the fish head on the vegetables and stack the fish frames evenly on top. Pour in the wine, cover the pot tightly, and let the bones sweat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they have turned completely white.
• 3. Add enough very hot or boiling water to just barely cover the bones. Give the mixture a gentle stir and allow the brew to come to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, carefully skimming off any white foam that comes to the surface, trying not to take any herbs, spices, or vegetables with it. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove.)
• 4. Remove the pot from the stove, stir the stock again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it is thoroughly chilled (it will have a light jellied consistency) and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a stock pot or a large saucepan.
• Pour over enough COLD water to cover the stock ingredients; bring to a boil over high heat, then gently simmer at least 4 hours, preferably 8 hours, replenishing the water as needed to keep about 1 quart of liquid in the pan.
• The pot may be covered or set a lid askew on it.
• Strain, cool and refrigerate until needed.
• If you are short on time, using a stock simmered for just 20-30 minutes is still better than using just water in any recipe calling for seafood stock.
• If you want a richer stock, start with at least 2 cups of the strained basic stock and continue to simmer it until the liquid is reduced by half (for one cup of rich stock).

Steps:

• Cut the vegetables into even size pieces. No need to be exact for this one.
• Place in large pan with the fish trimmings and cover with 1.2 litres of water. Wash the parsley thyme and bay leaves and place in the pan with the peppercorns and garlic.
• Bring pan to boil over a low heat, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. It help to skim the stock a few times during cooking. (Do not cook the stock for longer than 30 minutes at this stage, as I have noticed the stock becomes a little bitter).
• Strain stock through a fine sieve, making sure that no bones get into the stock. (I sieve a few times over to make sure).
• Return the strained stock to a clean pan and boil for 10-15 minutes. (This step helps the stock to reduce a little and become more intense in flavour).
• Cool stock and freeze stock in small portions for use when required.

Steps:

• Remove the gills and any traces of blood from fish heads; thoroughly wash bones, and cut them to fit into a 12-quart stockpot. Place heads and bones in a large bowl, and set aside.
• Quarter leek lengthwise; cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Transfer to a bowl of cold water; let stand 5 minutes to rid leek of sand. Lift out of water; drain in a colander; set aside.
• Make a bouquet garni by placing bay leaves, parsley, thyme, cloves, fennel seeds, fennel branches, and peppercorns in a 12-inch-square piece of cheesecloth. Form a bundle, and tie with kitchen twine; set aside.
• Melt butter in a 12-quart stockpot over medium heat; add cut leek, onion, celery, and fennel bulb; cook until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium high, and add fish heads and bones. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add wine, bouquet garni, and 2 1/2 quarts water, covering the bones. Bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 minutes, skimming any scum that rises to the surface. Turn off the heat, and let sit 10 minutes.
• Prepare an ice bath. Strain the stock through a fine sieve set over a large bowl. Set the bowl in the ice bath. Use stock within 1 day, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook for 3 mins. Tip in the fish heads and bones and cook, stirring occasionally for a further 4 mins. Pour in the wine and 1 litre of cold water. Drop in the herbs and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cook for 20 mins, skimming when needed. Pass through a sieve and use for your intended recipe. Will keep in the fridge for a week and for three months in the freezer.