Savory Tweaks: 7 BEST Substitutes for Shrimp Stock

Shrimp stock is a flavorful broth used to add depth to numerous dishes, from soups and stews to steamed vegetables and more.

But what happens when you don’t have shrimp stock readily available?

What are your options for substitutions that will provide the same level of flavor without drawing attention away from the delicious main ingredients?

We’re here to help!

We’ve collected 7 of our best suggestions for substitutes for shrimp stock so that you can be sure your seafood-free recipes are still up to standard in both taste and texture.

Read on for all the details!

What’s Shrimp Stock?

Shrimp stock is a flavorful liquid made by simmering shrimp shells in the water.

It’s used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces or as a way to add shrimp flavor to dishes without using actual shrimp.

The origin of shrimp stock is unknown, but it’s likely that it was created as a way to make use of shrimp shells, which are otherwise discarded.

Shrimp stock has a rich seafood flavor and a slightly pink color from the shrimp shells.

It can be made with fresh or frozen shrimp shells.

To make shrimp stock, simply simmer shrimp shells in water for 30 minutes.

Then strain the mixture and store the stock in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Shrimp stock can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken or fish stock.

It’s especially good in soups and stews or used to flavor rice and other grains.

When cooking with shrimp stock, be careful not to overcook it, as this will cause the flavors to become too intense.

7 Best Substitutes for Shrimp Stock

1. Seafood Stock

If you’re looking for a shrimp stock substitute, there are plenty of options to choose from.

You can use any type of seafood stock, or even vegetable broth, in place of shrimp stock.

The key is to find a substitute that has a similar taste and consistency.

Seafood stocks have a robust flavor that can be used in many different dishes.

It is perfect for soups and stews that call for shrimp.

You can also use it as a base for sauces or to add flavor to rice dishes.

The only downside to seafood stock is that it can be quite pricey.

If you’re on a budget, vegetable broth is a great alternative to shrimp stock.

It won’t have the same flavor, but it will still add some depth of flavor to your dish.

You can also doctor it up with some additional seasonings like garlic or ginger.

2. Vegetable Broth

If you’re looking for a shrimp stock substitute that’s both vegan and delicious, look no further than vegetable broth.

This flavorful liquid is perfect for cooking rice, soups, stews, and so much more.

Plus, it’s super easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

The vegetable broth has a light but flavorful taste that pairs well with just about anything.

If you’re using it as a shrimp stock substitute, we recommend adding a bit of extra seasoning to give your dish some extra zing.

To make your own vegetable broth, simply simmer water with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.

You can also add some herbs and spices for even more flavor.

When substituting vegetable broth for shrimp stock, simply use an equal amount in your recipe.

So if your recipe calls for 1 cup of shrimp stock, use 1 cup of vegetable broth instead.

Easy peasy.

3. Fish Stock

Fish stock is a great substitute for shrimp stock because it has a very similar taste.

Shrimp stock is made from the shells of shrimp, while fish stock is made from the bones of fish.

Fish stock is also less expensive than shrimp stock, so it is a good option if you are on a budget.

To substitute fish stock for shrimp stock, simply use the same amount of fish stock as you would shrimp stock.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of shrimp stock, you would use 1 cup of fish stock instead.

Keep in mind that fish stock will have a slightly different flavor than shrimp stock, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe accordingly.

4. Clam Juice

Clam juice is a great substitute for shrimp stock.

It has a similar taste and can be used in many of the same dishes.

The main difference is that clam juice is slightly sweeter than shrimp stock.

To substitute clam juice for shrimp stock, simply use an equal amount of clam juice in place of shrimp stock.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of shrimp stock, you would use 1 cup of clam juice.

You can also use clam juice to make a delicious seafood bisque or chowder.

5. Dashi

Dashi is a light, clear stock that is used in many Japanese dishes.

It is made by simmering kelp and bonito flakes in water.

The taste of dashi is very subtle and umami-rich.

Dashi can be used as a substitute for shrimp stock in any recipe.

It will provide a similar flavor to the dish without being overpowering.

To make dashi, simply simmer kelp and bonito flakes in water for 15 minutes.

Strain the mixture and use it as you would shrimp stock.

6. Seaweed Stock

Seaweed stock is a great substitute for shrimp stock because it has a similar taste and can be used in many of the same dishes.

Seaweed is also a healthy alternative to shrimp, which is high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Seaweed stock has a slightly salty taste that is similar to shrimp stock.

It can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes that call for shrimp stock.

To substitute seaweed stock for shrimp stock, simply use an equal amount of seaweed in place of the shrimp.

Seaweed is a healthy alternative to shrimp because it is low in calories and fat but high in vitamins and minerals.

Seaweed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

7. Chicken Stock

If you’re looking for a shrimp stock substitute, chicken stock is a great option.

It has a similar taste and can be used in the same way.

The main difference is that chicken stock is made with chicken instead of shrimp.

Chicken stock has a savory, slightly sweet taste that is perfect for soups, stews, and sauces.

It’s also a good choice for risotto and other rice dishes.

If you’re looking for a shrimp stock substitute, chicken stock is a great option.

To substitute chicken stock for shrimp stock, simply use an equal amount in your recipe.

You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly, but overall the flavors will be similar.

Conclusion

There are a variety of substitutes for shrimp stock, depending on what you are looking for in terms of taste and texture.

Seafood stock, vegetable broth, fish stock, clam juice, dashi, seaweed stock, and chicken stock are all great substitutes that will add their own unique flavor to your dish.

Depending on what you are looking for, one of these substitutes will be a great fit for your needs.