Warm Up with Our Cozy Salmon Chowder Soup Recipe

On chilly evenings, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty salmon chowder soup recipe brimming with rich flavors and creamy textures.

Fresh salmon chunks dance alongside tender potatoes and sweet corn kernels in this comforting classic.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the delicate balance of herbs and seasonings that elevate each spoonful.

The silky broth captures the essence of coastal cooking with its robust marine notes.

Creamy and luxurious, this chowder promises a delightful meal that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in creating a deeply satisfying dish.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this incredible soup that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What Makes Salmon Chowder So Satisfying

• Ideal for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or when you need a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy, hearty texture.
• Prepare this soup in under 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a culinary masterpiece without hours of prep.
• Packed with protein-rich salmon, vegetables, and creamy goodness, this chowder delivers a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Ingredients for Hearty Salmon Chowder Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Salmon: A rich, flaky fish that provides the primary protein and signature flavor of the chowder.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
• Potato: Creates a hearty texture and helps thicken the chowder.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Chicken Stock: Forms the foundational liquid that builds the soup's depth.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

• Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds depth to the soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken the chowder and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Fresh Dill: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish with its fresh flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Salmon Chowder

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature.

Add diced onions and cook until they turn golden and release a fragrant smell, stirring frequently for 6-8 minutes.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the kitchen fills with a delightful garlicky scent.

Step 2: Create Smooth Soup Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for about one minute.

This crucial step helps thicken the soup’s base.

Keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a silky smooth texture.

Step 3: Build Liquid Layer

Gradually pour chicken stock into the pot, whisking constantly to integrate smoothly.

• Cubed potatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Incorporate Salmon

Gently place salmon fillets into the simmering liquid.

Pour in heavy cream and cook for 8-10 minutes.

The salmon is ready when it turns opaque and easily breaks apart.

Use a spoon to chunk the fish into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped dill into the chowder just before serving.

The herb adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Tips to Get Creamy, Balanced Flavor

• Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire chowder.
• Lower the heat when adding cream and stir gently to maintain a smooth, silky texture without separating the soup's base.
• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and firmer texture that holds up beautifully during cooking.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick without overwhelming the delicate salmon taste.
• Prepare the chowder base in advance and add salmon just before serving to maintain its perfect, tender consistency and prevent overcooking.

How to Keep and Warm Up Salmon Chowder

• Store leftover salmon chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label containers with date to track freshness.
• Warm chowder over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent cream from separating.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and continue heating until thoroughly warm. Stir before serving to distribute heat evenly.

What Pairs Well with Salmon Chowder

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy chowder. Its bright citrus notes will complement the salmon's delicate flavor and refresh your palate between spoonfuls.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve a crusty sourdough or hearty whole grain bread alongside the chowder. These breads will soak up the creamy broth perfectly and provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup.
• Match Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a light, lemony green salad with arugula and quick pickled shallots. The salad's acidity will balance the chowder's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal, cutting through the soup's creamy texture.
• Select Herbal Garnish Option: Top the chowder with additional fresh dill or chives. These herbs will enhance the soup's flavor profile, adding a bright, green note that elevates the entire dish and provides a beautiful visual garnish.

Variations to Try with Salmon Chowder Soup

• Hearty Vegetarian Salmon Chowder: Replace salmon with firm tofu or smoked carrot strips, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy textures and flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Salmon Chowder: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the soup's comforting essence and nutritional density intact.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Salmon Chowder: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter, creating a lighter yet equally luxurious soup suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Salmon Chowder: Add roasted green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the traditional recipe into a zesty, warm variation with enhanced depth and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this chowder?

Absolutely! Thaw the salmon completely before adding it to the soup. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the salmon cook more evenly.

• Is it okay to substitute the cream with milk?

You can use milk, but the soup won’t be as rich and creamy. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream to maintain some richness.

• What if I don't have fresh dill?

No problem! Dried dill works well – use about 1 teaspoon instead of the fresh chopped dill. If you don’t have dill at all, fresh parsley can be a good alternative that still adds a fresh herb flavor to the chowder.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but add the salmon just before serving to prevent it from overcooking and becoming tough. The base of the soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Salmon Chowder Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy salmon chowder brings coastal comfort right to your kitchen, blending rich Pacific Northwest flavors with hearty ingredients. Seafood enthusiasts and home cooks will savor this comforting bowl of warmth that promises delicious satisfaction in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) salmon fillets, skinless

Main Vegetables:

• 3 medium golden potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat until it shimmers, then add diced onions. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to achieve a golden, translucent appearance without scorching.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring continuously for about 60 seconds to create a smooth, lump-free base that will thicken the chowder.
4. Gradually pour chicken stock into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent clumping. Introduce cubed potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and fully cooked.
6. Carefully nestle salmon fillets into the simmering liquid, then pour in cream. Maintain a gentle heat for 8-10 minutes until salmon turns opaque and easily separates with a fork.
7. Using a spoon, delicately break salmon into rustic, bite-sized pieces, distributing throughout the chowder.
8. Immediately before serving, sprinkle fresh dill across the surface, infusing the dish with a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Always use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s wild-caught if possible for a richer taste profile.
• Keep potato chunks uniform in size to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Consider using lactose-free cream or coconut milk for dairy-sensitive diners, maintaining the soup’s creamy consistency while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Toast flour briefly before creating the roux to eliminate raw flour taste and enhance the overall depth of the soup’s flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg