Description
A delicate, fragrant Thai-style stock made by gently simmering chicken or pork bones with garlic, cilantro, and a few simple seasonings. Use it as the base for noodle bowls, soups, or enjoy a warm cup on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lb (about 900 g) chicken bones or pork bones
- 12 cups water
- 10 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 4 cilantro roots (or about 10 cilantro stems)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
- 2 tbsp light (thin) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
Instructions
- Put the bones in a large stockpot and cover with the 12 cups of cold water. Bring the liquid up to a gentle boil, and remove any scummy foam that rises to the surface with a ladle.
- Add the crushed garlic, cilantro roots (or stems), and white pepper. Turn the heat down so the pot barely simmers — you want tiny, slow bubbles rather than a rolling boil.
- Let the stock cook slowly for about two hours, checking now and then and skimming the surface as needed to keep the liquid clear.
- When the flavor has developed, season the broth with the soy sauce and fish sauce. Taste and adjust, adding a little more if the stock needs depth.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve (or cheesecloth) to remove bones and aromatics. Discard the solids.
- Serve hot, or let the broth cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Notes
- For a richer, deeper flavor, roast the bones in a 400°F (200°C) oven until browned before simmering.
- To help keep the finished stock clear, blanch the bones briefly in boiling water, drain, rinse, and then start the simmer with fresh water.
- Add saltier seasonings (soy or fish sauce) near the end of cooking so you can control the final saltiness.
- Store refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- After chilling, you can skim off the solidified fat for a lighter broth, or leave a little for extra mouthfeel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg