Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder (Printable View)

Creamy chowder with smoky salmon, potatoes, and sweet corn in a rich milk-cream broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 7 oz smoked salmon, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 1 large carrot, diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, diced
07 - 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Dairy

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 2 cups whole milk
11 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Liquids

12 - 2 cups fish or vegetable stock

→ Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
15 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
16 - 1 bay leaf

# How-To Steps:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in diced potatoes, corn, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
03 - Pour in stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
04 - Stir in milk and cream. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add smoked salmon and fresh dill. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until salmon is heated through. Do not boil.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra dill, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky salmon flavor transforms an ordinary chowder into something restaurant worthy but still incredibly homey and comforting
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
02 -
  • Never let the chowder boil after adding the cream and salmon. High heat can cause the dairy to separate and makes the salmon tough
  • Adding the smoked salmon at the very last minute prevents it from becoming rubbery or losing its delicate texture
03 -
  • Mash a few spoonfuls of potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the salmon for an even thicker, more luxurious texture
  • Buy the best quality smoked salmon you can find. Since it is the star ingredient, cheaper salmon will result in a noticeably less impressive final dish

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