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Homemade Shrimp Stock

A sweet, briny stock made from sautéed shrimp shells, ideal for paella, gumbo and seafood soups.

Save your shrimp shells—forty-five minutes of gentle simmering turns kitchen scraps into liquid gold.

Updated 4/30/2025
Homemade Shrimp Stock

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

45 min

Total Time

55 min

Servings

8

Ingredients

  • Garlic - 2 cloves
  • Shrimp - 600 g
  • Tomato Paste - 1 tsp
  • Thyme - 1 sprig
  • Celery - 1 stalk
  • Water - 2.5 l
  • Parsley - 3 sprigs
  • Onion - 1 piece
  • Carrots - 1 piece
  • Salt - 1 tsp
  • Pepper - 0.5 tsp
  • Bay Leaves - 2 pieces
  • Olive Oil - 1 tbsp

Directions

  • Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat.

  • Step 2

    Add shrimp shells; sauté 3 min until pink and aromatic.

  • Step 3

    Stir in onion, carrot, celery and garlic; cook 3 min.

  • Step 4

    Deglaze with a splash of cold water, then add the remaining water.

  • Step 5

    Add parsley, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt and tomato paste.

  • Step 6

    Bring to a light simmer, skim foam and cook uncovered 30 min (do not boil hard).

  • Step 7

    Strain through a fine sieve, pressing shells gently.

  • Step 8

    Cool; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze 3 months.

Cook's Notes

For a deeper colour, briefly toast the shells in a hot dry pan before adding oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

25
Calories
0g
Fat
1g
Carbs
5g
Protein