Coconut Free Fish Bone Broth

Total time2 hr

Prep time15 min

Cook time1 hr 15 min

4.5

(13)

There is something deeply nourishing about a slow-simmered broth made entirely from scratch, and this fish bone broth delivers that in the most wholesome way possible. Mild white fish bones and heads — think halibut, cod, or snapper — form the base, while a generous lineup of aromatics like leek, garlic, fresh ginger, and turmeric gives the liquid a golden hue and a flavor that's clean, savory, and surprisingly complex. A splash of apple cider vinegar added during the initial soak is the quiet workhorse here, helping to draw minerals out of the bones before the heat even turns on. The key to a beautifully clear broth is patience: skimming the foam early and keeping the simmer low and gentle the entire time prevents bitterness and cloudiness. Many store-bought broths and bouillons sneak in unexpected additives, so making your own means you know exactly what's in every cup. Once strained, this broth is endlessly versatile — sip it warm from a mug, use it as a base for soups and risottos, or freeze it in portions to have on hand whenever you need a flavor boost.

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Ingredients

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
½ 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 — 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 10–15 minutes, until the liquid runs mostly clear.

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