How Bone Broth Is Made & Why It Is Good For You

Bone broth is a nourishing, flavourful liquid crafted by simmering animal bones, connective tissue, and aromatics over an extended period. Rich in collagen, gelatin and minerals, it has re-emerged in modern kitchens as a functional food with diverse health benefits. This guide explores the art of making bone broth, unpacks its nutritional advantages, and offers practical tips for seamlessly incorporating it into your daily diet. You can even prepare batches making it in our Pep Pans Wok with Lid, turning an everyday piece of cookware into your broth-making hero.

What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is more than a simple stock. Whereas traditional stock often simmers for two to four hours and focuses on vegetables with a few bones, bone broth typically simmers for 12–48 hours, emphasising bones and connective tissues. This prolonged cooking time extracts collagen, converts it into gelatin, and releases minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the liquid. The result is a deeply flavoured, slightly viscous broth prized for its texture and health-promoting nutrients.

Bone broth can be made from a variety of bones—beef, chicken, pork, lamb, fish or even game—depending on the flavour profile you seek. Each type imparts its own character: chicken yields a light, golden broth, while beef produces a darker, richer liquid. Mixing different bones or adding knuckles, marrow bones and feet further amplifies gelatin content, creating a luscious mouthfeel.

The Science Behind Bone Broth

When bones simmer in water with a touch of acid (such as apple cider vinegar), minerals and collagen leach into the broth. Collagen, a structural protein abundant in connective tissue, gradually breaks down into gelatin. Gelatin gives bone broth its signature jiggly consistency when cooled and supports joint health when consumed.

Amino acids released during the process—glycine, proline and glutamine—play pivotal roles in gut health, neurotransmitter support and detoxification pathways. Glycine, for instance, contributes to collagen synthesis in the body and helps regulate the sleep cycle. Proline aids tissue repair, while glutamine fuels intestinal cells, reinforcing the gut lining.

Equipment You Need

Creating bone broth doesn’t require fancy appliances. You need:

• A large stockpot or Pep Wok with Lid (29 cm diameter, 3.4 L capacity) to hold bones and water comfortably while allowing gentle simmering.

• A heat source compatible with the wok: induction, gas, electric or ceramic hob.

• A detachable handle wok enables easy oven finishes and compact storage.

• A fine-mesh sieve or muslin cloth for straining.

• Glass jars or resealable containers for storage.

Using the Pep Pans Wok with Lid streamlines the process: the tempered glass lid retains heat and moisture, while vent holes prevent pressure build-up. Its non-stick Whitford coating ensures easy cleanup and preserves delicate broth flavours.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bone Broth

1. Gather Bones and Aromatics Collect about 1–1.5 kg of bones per batch. For beef, include marrow bones, knuckles and oxtail; for poultry, use carcasses, necks and wing tips. Add a chopped onion, two celery stalks, and two carrots for depth. Include 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to aid mineral extraction.

2. Roast the Bones (Optional but Recommended) Preheat your oven to 200 °C. Spread bones on a roasting tray and roast for 30–45 minutes until golden-brown. Roasting deepens flavour and enriches the broth’s colour.

3. Transfer to the Wok and Add Water Place bones in the Pep Pans Wok with Lid. Add vegetables and cover with cold water, filling to about 2.5 cm below the lid rim to prevent overflow. The wok’s high sides and 3.4 L capacity are ideal for accommodating large volumes of liquid①.

4. Bring to a Gentle Simmer Heat over medium until small bubbles appear. Skim off scum and foam with a slotted spoon to keep the broth clear. Then reduce to the lowest heat setting and secure the lid.

5. Simmer Slowly Allow chicken bones to simmer for 12–24 hours; beef or lamb for 24–48 hours, topping up water as needed. The Pep Pans Wok’s detachable handle lets you move it effortlessly, even when full, for refills and checks.

6. Strain and Cool Remove the lid and strain the hot broth through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin into a large bowl. Discard solids. Let the broth cool at room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered to let fat solidify on the surface.

7. Defat and Store Skim off the hardened fat layer and transfer the clear broth into jars. Label with date and store in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze in portions for up to three months.

Simmering Times & Ratios

Why Slow Simmering Matters

Bone broth benefits from a slow, controlled simmer. Rapid boiling can denature proteins, cloud the broth and lead to greasy separation. A gentle heat preserves delicate flavours, enhances clarity, and maximises nutrient extraction. The vented lid on the Pep Pans Wok balances heat and moisture, ensuring simmering without excessive evaporation.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth

• Joint Support Gelatin derived from collagen helps maintain joint cartilage integrity. Regular consumption can alleviate stiffness and support mobility as we age.

• Gut Health Amino acids such as glutamine nourish enterocytes, the cells lining the gut, reinforcing the intestinal barrier and reducing permeability.

• Skin, Hair & Nails Collagen precursors support skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote stronger nails and lustrous hair.

• Immune Modulation Minerals and amino acids in bone broth can modulate immune responses, potentially reducing inflammation and supporting recovery.

• Hydration & Electrolytes Bone broth contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium—key electrolytes for hydration, especially after exercise or illness.

• Easy Protein Source Each mug (250 ml) of bone broth provides around 6–12 g of protein, depending on simmer time and bone type, making it a valuable supplement for low-carb and fasting regimens.

Nutrient Spotlight

How Easy It Is to Add Bone Broth Into Your Diet

Integrating bone broth into everyday meals is effortless and versatile.

• Morning Warm-Up Sip a warm mug of broth as a low-calorie, energising start to your day. It can stand in for coffee or tea when you prefer savoury.

• Cooking Grains & Legumes Replace water with bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa or lentils to infuse extra nutrients and umami flavour.

• Soups, Stews & Curries Use broth as the foundation for vegetable soups, chilli, or curry bases for immediate depth and body.

• Sauces & Gravies Deglaze pans with bone broth to create gravies or pan sauces, enhancing richness without added thickeners.

• Smoothie Booster For savory smoothies, blend cooled broth with avocado, leafy greens and seasoning for a nutrient-dense snack.

• Freezer-Friendly Portions Freeze in ice-cube trays or silicone muffin moulds. Pop cubes into smoothies, sauces or soups on demand.

Why the Pep Pans Wok with Lid Shines for Bone Broth

The Pep Pans Wok with Lid and Detachable Handle is engineered for versatility, making it a top choice for bone broth enthusiasts:

• Its 3.4 L capacity and 29 cm diameter comfortably accommodate bones and water without risk of overflow.

• The tempered glass lid with BPA-free silicone rim traps steam and heat efficiently, reducing evaporation and maintaining consistent simmering.

• Vent holes in the lid prevent pressure build-up, ensuring safety during prolonged cooking.

• The PFOA-free Whitford non-stick coating allows for easy cleanup, even after hours of simmering collagen-rich broth.

• Aluminium construction with a marble finish guarantees even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that can scorch proteins.

• Detachable handle enhances manoeuvrability for refilling or transferring to the oven for bone roasting pre-simmer.

Pep Pans Wok is Available HERE!

Variations & Flavour Enhancers

Experiment with these ideas to personalise your broth:

• Herbs & Spices Add fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves or peppercorns in the last hour of simmering to avoid bitterness.

• Aromatics Ginger, garlic and turmeric bolster anti-inflammatory properties and add warmth.

• Citrus Zest A strip of lemon or orange zest brightens the flavour, especially in fish or chicken broths.

• Seaweed A strip of kombu contributes iodine and deep umami notes—ideal in seafood bone broths.

Sustainability: Nose-to-Tail Cooking

Bone broth exemplifies a zero-waste philosophy:

• Whole-Animal Respect Utilising leftover bones and scraps honours the animal by extracting all possible nutrition.

• Kitchen Efficiency Reuse vegetable peelings and herb stems for stock, composting bits that cannot be boiled.

• Eco-Friendly Storage Freeze in reusable containers or silicone moulds instead of single-use plastics.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why isn’t my broth gelatine-rich?

Insufficient simmer time, too few joints or connective tissues, or adding bones cold can reduce gelatin extraction. Try using a higher ratio of knuckles and feet, or extend the simmer by several hours.

Can I cook bone broth in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Slow cookers on low can mimic traditional simmering. Pressure cookers extract nutrients in 2–4 hours but yield a lighter gelatin content.

How long does bone broth keep?

In the fridge, up to five days. In the freezer, portions last three months or more if sealed airtight.

Is bone broth the same as stock?

Stock is typically thinner, with shorter cooking times and more vegetable emphasis. Bone broth simmers longer to extract collagen, resulting in a richer mouthfeel.

Conclusion

Bone broth bridges ancient culinary wisdom with modern nutritional science, offering an easy-to-make, deeply nourishing liquid. From joint support and gut health to skin vitality and immunity, its benefits are as vast as its flavour is rich. Leveraging versatile cookware like the Pep Pans Wok with Lid simplifies the process—its non-stick surface, even heat distribution and detachable handle make every stage of broth-making straightforward and efficient.

Embrace bone broth as a kitchen staple: sip it plain, enrich recipes or freeze portions for last-minute culinary flair. With minimal effort and maximum reward, your journey to better health and sustainable cooking starts with a simple pot of simmering bones.

Further Reading & Inspiration

• Discover regional bone broth variations: Vietnamese pho broth, Korean seolleongtang, Mexican caldo de res.

• Explore bone broth fasting protocols and intermittent fasting synergy.

• Delve into collagen’s role in wound healing and sport recovery.

• Learn to balance macronutrients by pairing bone broth with plant-based proteins for a holistic diet.

Unleash your creativity, one simmer at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious newcomer, bone broth made in your Pep Pans Wok will become a cornerstone of healthful, flavour-packed meals.