Beef Free Fish Bone Broth
Bone broth has a well-earned reputation as a nourishing, deeply savory staple ā but most versions rely on beef or chicken as their base. This fish-forward version delivers all the same mineral-rich, slow-simmered goodness using mild white fish bones and heads, making it a genuinely satisfying alternative for anyone avoiding red meat entirely. The apple cider vinegar soak at the start is a smart trick that helps draw minerals out of the bones before the heat even turns on, so you're getting maximum depth from a relatively short simmer time. Aromatics like leek, fresh ginger, turmeric, and a bundle of thyme and parsley give the broth a brightness that beef versions rarely have ā it's warming without being heavy. The key to keeping it clear and clean-tasting is a low, gentle simmer; the instructions are careful about this for good reason, and it really does make a difference in the final cup. Once strained, it's silky, golden, and versatile enough to sip straight, use as a soup base, or stir into grains. It keeps in the fridge for up to four days or freezes beautifully, so a single batch goes a long way.
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Learn more āIngredients
6 servings
- 2 lb fish bones and heads (from mild white fish such as halibut, cod, or snapper), rinsed
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 10 cups cold water
- 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 leek, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped and rinsed
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- Ā½ tsp ground turmeric
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- 1
Place the fish bones and heads in the stockpot and cover with the cold water. Add the apple cider vinegar and let the bones soak for 30 minutes ā this helps draw minerals into the broth.
- 2
Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, skimming off any gray foam that rises to the surface during the first 10ā15 minutes, until the liquid runs mostly clear.
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