White Fish Stock

A basic and versatile white fish stock recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes.

White Fish Stock

  • Servings: about 3 cups

This white fish stock recipe is a basic and versatile recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes. The stock is made from mixed bones and heads of white- fleshed fish, onion, parsley stems, lemon juice, and salt.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 lb mixed bones and heads of white-fleshed fish (such as Pacific cod, porgy, striped bass, turbot, or any combination of these), gills removed and bones and heads rinsed well
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 12 fresh parsley stems (reserve leaves for another use)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3 1/2 cups cold water

Directions

  • Spread butter over bottom of a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan, then add fish bones and heads, onion, parsley stems, lemon juice, and salt. Steam mixture, covered, over moderately high heat, 5 minutes.
  • Add wine and water and bring to a boil. Skim froth, then reduce heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes.
  • Pour stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them.

  • Stock can be made ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered, 2 days or frozen 1 month.