For the best fish stock, make your own, even if you can't exactly match the proportions suggested below. The main idea is to make a light, flavorful broth. Use the bones of white-fleshed fish—most fishmongers will give you bones for free.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes about 8½ cups
Ingredients
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
Special Equipment
Preparation
Rinse fish bones well with cold water. Place bones in a large pot; add remaining ingredients and 10 cups cold water. Bring almost to a boil over high heat (do not let it come to a boil). Reduce heat to low and cook at a bare simmer, skimming any foam that rises to surface, until flavors meld, 20–30 minutes. Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into an 8-cup measuring cup or another pot; discard solids. Stock tastes best when freshly made.
Do ahead: Stock can be made 2 months ahead. Let cool, then chill, uncovered, until cold. Transfer to an airtight container, cover, and freeze.