- Shells from 1 pound (454 g) shrimp
- Tops from 1 bunch green onions
- Stems from 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 10 to 12 black peppercorns
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Shrimp cilantro broth turns shrimp shells and cilantro stems — the parts most cooks toss — into a fragrant, delicate stock. Green onion tops and a splash of rice vinegar sharpen the flavor during a one-hour simmer. Strained and jarred, it becomes the secret base for seafood soups, stews, and quick weeknight sauces.
Pro Tips
- Use shells from raw shrimp whenever possible; they give the broth a cleaner, sweeter seafood flavor than shells from cooked shrimp.
- Do not skip the cilantro stems and green onion tops — they are milder than the leaves and hold up to simmering without turning bitter.
- Keep the simmer gentle and uncovered. A rolling boil makes any shell broth cloudy and slightly bitter.
- This is the perfect make-anytime freezer stock: freeze shrimp shells as you collect them, then make a batch whenever the bag fills up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shrimp cilantro broth keep?
Up to one week in a glass jar in the fridge, or up to a year in the freezer. Freeze it in small portions so you can pull out just what a recipe needs.
Can I make this broth in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes — 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker, or about 20 minutes on high pressure followed by a quick release for the pressure cooker version.
Is this broth AIP-compliant?
It is one modification away: simply omit the black peppercorns and the broth fits the AIP protocol.
What can I cook with shrimp broth?
Use it in seafood chowders, quick pan sauces for fish, or as the cooking liquid for cauliflower rice pilaf to add subtle ocean flavor.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Tops from 1 bunch green onions
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Protein-First Mornings, Steady Midday Energy
Breakfasts built on eggs and greens pair well with a morning-vitality theme. They help the day start warm and grounded, with energy that arrives evenly.
- Eggs anchor morning fullness
- Greens add fiber and minerals
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