Stocks and broths are flavorful liquids that are used to make sauces and soups, or consumed on their own.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.
This article explains the differences between stocks and broths, and gives instructions for how to make and use each.
Broth Is Lighter and More Flavorful
Broth is traditionally made by simmering meat in water, often with vegetables and herbs. This flavored liquid is then used for a variety of culinary purposes.
In the past, the term “broth” was only used to refer to meat-based liquids. Today, however, vegetable broth has become very common.
The most common flavors of broth are chicken, beef and vegetable, though nearly any type of meat can be used.
Bone broth has also become extremely popular in the past few years, and is made by simmering bones, vegetables and herbs in water for hours.
Though it is frequently called a broth, bone broth is technically stock because it requires the addition of bones.
In order to avoid confusion, the rest of this article will refer to bone broth as stock.
Because of the rich flavor of broth that comes from meat, vegetables and herbs, you can drink broth plain. People often do this to remedy a cold or the flu.
In fact, drinking warm, steaming broth is an effective way to loosen up mucus when you have a stuffy nose. It is even more effective in the form of chicken soup.
Broth is cooked for a relatively short amount of time, since meat will become tough if you cook it for too long. Therefore, if you’re making broth, remove the meat as soon as it is fully cooked, after no longer than an hour.
The meat can then be used for another recipe, or chopped and added back to the finished broth to create chicken soup, for example.
Broth is thinner than stock and more flavorful than water. Therefore, it is most commonly used as a base for soups or as a cooking liquid.
Here are some of the most common dishes broth is used in:
- Cream sauces
- Risotto
- Dumplings
- Casseroles
- Stuffing
- Cooked grains and legumes
- Gravies
- Soups
- Sautéed or stir-fried dishes
Stock Is Thicker and Takes Longer to Make
Unlike broth, stock is based on bones rather than meat.
It is made by boiling bones or cartilage in water for many hours, which allows the bone marrow and collagen to be released.
This gives stock a thicker, more gelatinous consistency than broth.
Because it’s made with bones and cartilage, not meat, stock is cooked for much longer than broth, typically for at least 6–8 hours or until bones get soft. This allows the stock time to thicken and become more concentrated as the collagen is released.
You can make stock with many types of bones, including chicken, beef, pork and even fish.
Traditionally, stock is meant to be used as a neutral base for recipes. It’s intended to add mouthfeel but not an overwhelming flavor.
Before you use bones to make stock, clean them of all meat. If you want to make a neutral stock, do not add other seasonings or aromatic ingredients.
However, if you want more flavor, add meat, vegetables and herbs. Traditional additions include onions, carrots, parsley, thyme and bones with meat left on.
This results in a liquid that is just as flavorful as broth, but with an added thickness.
Whether you choose a plain stock made from just bones, or a flavorful stock made with meat and vegetables depends on how you will use it.
Here are some of the most common dishes stock is used in:
- Sauces, including cream sauces, au jus and tomato sauce
- Gravy
- Braising liquid
- Stews or soups
- Cooked grains and legumes
Is There a Difference in How They’re Used?
You may have noticed that many of the uses for stock are also listed as uses for broth.
The two are very often used interchangeably, and it’s fine if you substitute broth for stock in most recipes, and vice versa.
Yet, if you have a choice between the two, use broth when a dish is largely based on the flavor of the liquid, such as in a broth-based soup.
On the other hand, you can use stock when the dish gets plenty of flavor from other ingredients, such as in a stew flavored with the drippings of a roast.
Is One Healthier Than the Other?
When it comes to health, stock and broth each have their pros and cons.
Broth contains about half the calories per cup (237 ml) that stock does. One cup of chicken broth provides 38 calories, while one cup of stock contains 86 calories.
Stock contains slightly more carbs, fat and protein than broth, though it’s also significantly higher in vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, adding vegetables and herbs to either stock or broth can increase the vitamin and mineral content and release beneficial aromatic plant compounds.
Parsley, oregano and thyme, for example, are all sources of antioxidants that are commonly used in stock and broth. And certain cooking methods, including simmering, actually increase their antioxidant capacity.
These herbs and many others that are commonly used in broths or stocks also exhibit some anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Onions and garlic also have their own unique benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Bone Broth
Bone broth is gaining a reputation as a superfood. However, as mentioned previously, bone broth is simply a new term for a very traditional food: stock.
Bone broth differs from stock in that it may be cooked longer. It may also include an acidic component like vinegar to aid in breaking down connective tissue.
Aside from these distinctions, stock and bone broth are essentially the same thing.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth
You can get premade broth from the store, but it’s easy and healthy to make at home too.
Here is a recipe for a basic chicken broth.
It’s good on its own, but don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients if you want to incorporate different flavors.
Basic Chicken Broth
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds (0.9–1.4 kg) chicken meat, which can include bony pieces
- 1–2 onions
- 2–3 carrots
- 2–3 stalks celery
- Parsley, several stems
- Thyme, several sprigs
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper
These amounts can easily be adjusted based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Bay leaves, peppercorns and other herbs are also common additions.
Directions
- Combine chicken meat, roughly chopped onions, carrots, celery, whole garlic cloves and herbs in a stock pot.
- Add water until contents are covered, and turn on medium-high heat.
- When water starts to boil, turn heat down to medium-low so the mixture simmers very gently. Add water as needed to ensure meat is always just covered.
- Allow to simmer for approximately one hour, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and store for use in another recipe. If desired, return any cleaned bones to the pot and continue to simmer for another hour or more.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Drain broth through a strainer into another large pot or bowl and discard solids. Divide into smaller containers for refrigeration or freezing.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock
Here are the instructions for preparing a chicken stock, including extra vegetables and herbs for flavor.
Basic Chicken Stock
Ingredients
- Chicken carcass, bones, neck or other parts with cartilage (cooked or raw)
- 2 onions
- 1–2 carrots
- 2–3 stalks celery
- Parsley, several stems
- Thyme, several sprigs
- 2 cloves garlic
These ingredients and amounts can also be adjusted based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Directions
- Break apart chicken carcass into pieces small enough to fit into your stock pot.
- Combine carcass, roughly chopped onions, carrots, celery, whole garlic cloves and herbs in the pot.
- Cover with water and turn on medium-high heat.
- When water starts to boil, turn heat down to medium-low so the mixture simmers gently. Add water as needed to ensure bones are always just covered.
- Allow to simmer for 6–8 hours or till soft, skimming foam and fat from the top as necessary.
- Drain stock through a strainer into another large pot or bowl and discard solids. Divide into smaller containers for refrigeration or freezing.
