Bone broth with a ladle in a pot
Food - Drink
How Long You Should Cook Bone Broth For Truly Mouthwatering Results
By WENDY LEIGH
Broth in Bowl on gray background
A simple bone broth requires only a large stovetop pot, bones fully covered in water, a sprinkle of salt, some optional aromatic herbs, and the patience to let it all break down.
A tall pan on the hob cooking chicken broth
Bone broth should simmer covered for at least 12 hours for the best flavor. Cooking it for 24 hours provides even deeper flavor and more nutrients as the bones slowly break apart.
Pressure cooker on an open-flame stove
You can simmer for up to 36 hours, but if the time dedication sounds daunting, using a pressure cooker or instant pot reduces the time to five hours or fewer.
Onion, celery and carrots with a bay leaf and roasted beef bones cooking in broth in a slow cooker
The long cook time is necessary for the bones to release their nutrients, which include collagen and protein, as well as electrolytes, amino acids, calcium, magnesium, and glycine.