Salmon Chowder
A rich and creamy soup packed with tender flakes of salmon, hearty potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky bacon. This Pacific Northwest classic is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Bacon Until Crisp
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot. Discard any excess.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Make Roux
- b.Add the butter to the bacon fat in the pot and melt over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This forms a roux which will thicken the chowder.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Base and Cook Potatoes
- b.Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavor.
- c.Add the diced potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- d.Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Cream, Corn, and Salmon
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen corn.
- c.Gently add the salmon cubes to the pot. Allow the soup to return to a very gentle simmer, but do not let it boil, as this can curdle the cream and overcook the salmon.
- d.Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Final Seasoning and Serving
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Taste the chowder and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Ladle the hot chowder into bowls. Garnish generously with the reserved crispy bacon and fresh dill before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh salmon. Wild-caught varieties like Coho or Sockeye work beautifully.
- 2Cut the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly and in the time specified.
- 3Do not let the chowder boil after adding the cream and salmon. A hard boil can cause the cream to curdle and will make the salmon tough.
- 4For a thicker chowder, you can gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon before adding the salmon.
- 5If the chowder is too thick for your liking, thin it out with a splash of milk or additional broth.
- 6For an extra layer of seafood flavor, substitute 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 cup of clam juice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Salmon Chowder
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or one finely minced jalapeño along with the garlic for a gentle, warming heat.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a lower-fat option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Herbaceous ChowderHerbaceous Chowder
Incorporate other fresh herbs like 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme along with the dill.
Smoky Salmon ChowderSmoky Salmon Chowder
Replace half of the fresh salmon with an equal amount of hot-smoked salmon, flaked and stirred in at the very end just to heat through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is an excellent source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
High in Quality Protein
With a significant amount of protein from salmon, this chowder helps in muscle repair, building new tissue, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Source of Essential Nutrients
This dish provides key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D and B12 from salmon, potassium from potatoes, and Vitamin C from the onions and celery.
Frequently asked questions
Salmon Chowder can be part of a healthy diet. It's rich in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon. However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat due to the bacon and heavy cream, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.