
Fish and Seafood Recipes
Fresh Salmon Chowder
🥣 Fresh Salmon Chowder
🌊 Overview
Few dishes capture the warmth of coastal cooking quite like Fresh Salmon Chowder. It’s a hearty, creamy soup that balances the rich flavor of fresh salmon with tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a silky broth. Originally inspired by the rustic chowders of the North Atlantic coast — from Maine to the Pacific Northwest — this dish transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of comfort and nourishment.
What makes this version special is the use of fresh salmon fillets, not canned, which gives the chowder a delicate texture and bright, ocean-fresh taste. The combination of buttery onions, earthy potatoes, and a touch of cream creates a depth of flavor that feels both homey and elegant — perfect for a cool evening or a Sunday family meal.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
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300–400 g fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized chunks
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 carrot, diced
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 cups fish stock (or chicken/vegetable stock)
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1 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional)
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the flavor
🔪 Preparation
Step 1 — Build the base
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter foams gently. Add the chopped onion, stirring until translucent — about 3–4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 2 — Add the vegetables
Toss in the diced carrot and potato, stirring to coat them in the buttery mixture. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to develop. Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage to deepen the flavor.
Step 3 — Simmer with stock and herbs
Pour in the fish stock and drop in the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
Step 4 — Add milk and cream
Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the milk and cream, stirring gently. The broth will turn beautifully creamy and aromatic. Do not let it boil at this point — just keep it warm, as boiling may curdle the milk.
Step 5 — Add the salmon
Slide the fresh salmon chunks into the chowder. Let them poach gently for 5–7 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If using corn, add it now as well. Taste and adjust seasoning — more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Step 6 — Rest and serve
Turn off the heat and let the chowder rest for 5 minutes. The flavors will meld and the broth will thicken slightly. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle into warm bowls, sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Classic: Serve with toasted sourdough or a buttered baguette to soak up the creamy broth.
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Rustic style: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crisp bacon bits for a smoky contrast.
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Elegant twist: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and microgreens for a restaurant-style finish.
Pair it with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio — both complement the cream and salmon beautifully.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Smoky Flavor: Add a small amount of smoked salmon along with the fresh fish for depth and aroma.
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Vegetable Boost: Add diced celery, leeks, or fennel for extra texture and sweetness.
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Lighter Option: Replace cream with additional milk or a touch of coconut milk for a coastal fusion flavor.
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Make Ahead: The chowder tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen — just reheat gently over low heat.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
Fresh Salmon Chowder brings together everything comforting about seafood cooking — the richness of the ocean, the creaminess of a home-cooked soup, and the warmth of shared meals. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor, and appreciate the balance of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
VIDEO :Creamy, rich, and soothing — every spoonful of Fresh Salmon Chowder feels like the coast in a bowl.







