All Purpose Fish Stock

1. 1

   Sweat your mirepoix (onion, celery, leek, and parsnip) in a 6 quart or larger stock pot (no oil). After a couple of minutes, once the onions are softened and the vegetables are fragrant, add in the bones and stir together gently.

2. 2

   Add the parsley, thyme, pepper, bay, and crushed garlic. Add the water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes. As scum floats to the top and gathers in clumps, skim and discard.

3. 3

   Using tongs for the larger carcasses and a spider for vegetables, remove as much as possible from the stock. Hang a fine mesh strainer over a 6 qt or larger bowl. Run a double layer of cheesecloth under cold water and use it to line the strainer. (This will keep the cheesecloth from moving around on you when you pour.) Carefully pour the stock through the strainer, stopping if it begins to back up. You can tap a wooden spoon against the handle of the strainer quickly and repeatedly to speed up the straining process.

4. 4

   Use as much as you need and freeze the rest for next time!

No additional tips available.