THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

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This creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe is full of flavor that your whole family will love. Make sure you serve some crusty bread with this delicious chowder so that you can soak up every bite!

If you’re looking for more soup and chowder recipes, Authentic New England Clam Chowder and Hungarian Mushroom Soup will help you find tasty recipes that everyone will love!

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (1)

How to make Smoked Salmon Chowder from scratch is going to be one of your go-to recipes. Company coming? This is the perfect recipe.

The chowder sounds all fancy-schmancy, but it’s so easy to make. The layers of flavors will leave your taste buds happy. The smoky flavor of salmon brings this recipe to another level.

This is seriously one of the best soup recipes to try. I know a thing or two about soups, being a big-time soup lover and all.

Soup has got to be one of the most heart-warming meals you can make for your family. I’ve never understood the appeal of cooking canned soup, when making homemade soup is so easy.

You just have to find the best recipes. Well, congratulations! You did. This Smoked Salmon Corn Chowder Recipe will become one of your signature recipes.

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (2)

Tips for Smoking Salmon at Home

The best salmon to smoke is King Salmon. The reason Alaskan Smoked Salmon is the best is because it’s the fattiest salmon. It’s harder to dry out and has the most flavor. King Salmon is also probably going to be the most expensive one to purchase.

This is the home smoker that Amazon featured as their pick.I think it would make a fun present for your significant other. Making gourmet food at home is an art we decide to bring into our lives.

Fun Facts About Salmon

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (3)

There are six different types of salmon in North America:

Atlantic Salmon is sadly on the Endangered Species List.

Chinook Salmon is the largest of the salmon species. It is also known as King Salmon. It can weigh up to 125 pounds. (That’s a big fish!) Most of them weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. Chinook Salmon can live up to seven years. This wild salmon is found in Alaska (the state fish) and the West Coast.

Chum Salmon (also known as Dog Salmon), average weight is between 10 and 20 pounds. These fresh salmon are also found in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and live for 3-5 years.

Pink Salmon is the smallest in size of the types of salmon. They average between 3 and 5 pounds.

CoHo Salmon are known as “Silvers” and weigh between 10 and 12 pounds. This fish is also found in Alaska and the West Coast.

Sockeye Salmon is also known as “reds.” Their average weight is between 5 and 8 pounds.

Pink salmon and Chum Salmon are the species most used for smoked salmon. They are easier on your wallet. The next time you buy smoky salmon, be sure to find out what type of salmon they are.

There’s a fun annual Salmon Festival located in Issaquah, WA. This event attracts more than 150,000 visitors in two days. You can find out more information about this festival here.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this smoked salmon chowder recipe, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook groupcalledCreating a Cozy Lifewith over 182,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (4)

Here’s How to Make Smoked Salmon Chowder

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup red pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

3 tablespoons butter

1 can chicken broth (14 1/2 ounces)

1 cup Yukon Gold diced potatoes, uncooked

1 cup shredded carrots

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

1 can cream-style corn

2 cups half-and-half cream

8 ounces flaked smoked salmon (bones and skin removed) into bite-size pieces

How to Make Smoked Salmon Chowder

1) In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté onion, celery, red pepper, and garlic in butter over medium heat until vegetables are tender.

2) Add broth, carrots, Yukon golds, salt, pepper, thyme, and dill to the large soup pot and bring to a boil.

3) Reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 40 more minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes.

4) Stir in the corn, cream, and smoked salmon.

5) Simmer for 15 more minutes.

6) Serve this great recipe hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers. Top the tasty chowder with fresh dill or chives.

Tips for making Smoke Salmon Chowder

  • For an extra kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • You can use matchstick carrots if you’re short on time.
  • My neighbor barbecues salmon on the grill, and saves the broken pieces for chowder.
  • I use Yukon Gold potatoes for the recipe, but you can substitute red potatoes or russet potatoes.
  • You can substitute heavy cream for half and half in this smoke salmon chowder.
  • Olive oil can be used in place of butter when sautéing the onions, garlic, and celery.
  • You can substitute a yellow or orange bell pepper for the red pepper.
  • To make the chowder thinner, add a little chicken stock to the soup.
  • You can add a little cream cheese for a thicker smoked salmon chowder.

Can you freeze Smoked Salmon Chowder with Corn?

I wouldn’t advise freezing any soups with cream or dairy. The dairy takes on a more grainy taste and texture when reheated.

Besides, I’m guessing you won’t have ANY leftovers – so it shouldn’t be a problem.

How long does Smoked Salmon Soup Recipe last in the fridge?

You’ll want to refrigerate your Smoked Salmon Chowder within two hours of cooking after it cools down.

For best results, make sure you store your soup in a covered airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Your soup will last 3 to 4 days, when properly stored.

Vessels for Serving Creamy Salmon Soup:

Sourdough Bread Bowls is one of my favorite ways to serve soup. Simply cut off the top of your round rustic bread and hollow them out.

For a casual get-together, serve your soup in cozy mugs.

What goes best with Smoke Salmon Corn Chowder?

A loaf of crusty bread

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (5)

You’ll want to soak up every last drop of this fantastic seafood chowder, so a rustic loaf of bread is the perfect way to serve this dish.

A side salad

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (6)

Soup and salad are the perfect combination on a cozy evening at home. A winter salad with pomegranates, beets, and spinach will pair well with this easy salmon bisque.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of the smoked salmon in the chowder?

While the smoky flavor is a defining characteristic of a smoked salmon chowder, you can use fresh salmon if you prefer. Simply cook the fresh salmon separately, flake it into the chowder, and adjust the seasonings to compensate for the lack of smokiness.

How do I prevent the cream in the chowder from curdling?

To prevent the cream from curdling in your smoked salmon chowder, avoid boiling the soup once the cream is added. Instead, simmer the chowder gently over low to medium heat and stir frequently. Additionally, you can add the cream near the end of the cooking process to minimize the risk of curdling.

We’ve reached the end of Smoked Salmon Chowder. I hope you enjoyed it. Each spoonful of this hot smoked salmon chowder will have you thinking you’re in Pike Place Market in Seattle, where the best chowder is made.

Let me know in the comments below how you liked the Smoked Salmon and Corn Chowder.

Be sure you to join our Creating a Cozy Life group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

Below I made a pin to add this great chowder recipe to Pinterest so you can refer back to it.

You can follow me here on PINTEREST. If you make this recipe for smoked salmon chowder and take a photo, be sure to tag me here on INSTAGRAM.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (7)

More Amazing Soup Recipes You’ll Love!

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  • How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
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  • Caramelized Cream of Onion Soup
  • Best Soup Toppings – Garnishes for Hot and Cold Soups
  • The BEST Frogmore Chowder Recipe

Salmon Recipes

  • Side Dishes for Salmon
  • Dill Sauce for Salmon

Printable Recipe Card for Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe with Nutritional Information

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (8)

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe is full of flavor that your entire family will love. Make sure you serve some crusty bread along side it, so you can soak up every bite!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can chicken broth (14 1/2 ounces)
  • 1 cup diced potatoes, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 can cream-style corn
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon, flaked (bones and skin removed)

Instructions

    1. In a large saucepan sauté onion, celery, red pepper, and garlic in butter until vegetables are tender.
    2. Add broth, carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, and dill and bring to a boil.
    3. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 40 more minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes.
    4. Stir in the corn, cream, and smoked salmon.
    5. Simmer for 15 more minutes
    6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For an extra kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

You can use matchstick carrots if you're short on time.

My neighbor barbecues salmon on her grill and saves the broken pieces for chowder.

You can substitute red potatoes or russet potatoes for the Yukon Gold potatoes.

You can substitute heavy cream for half and half.

Olive oil can be used in place of butter when sauteing the onions, garlic, and celery.

You can substitute a yellow or orange bell pepper for the red peopper.

To make the chowder thinner, add a little chicken broth to the stock.

You can add a little cream cheese to the chowder to make it thicker.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 207Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 40mgSodium 1254mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 9g

THE BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

What two ingredients must be present for the soup to be called a chowder? ›

Chowder is a soup with cream or milk mixed with ingredients such as potatoes, sweet corn, smoked haddock, clams and prawns, etc.

What pairs well with smoked salmon? ›

Easy Pairings for Smoked Salmon

Tossed into a green salad with a lemony dressing. Stirred into hot pasta with a light tomato sauce, green onions, fresh parsley and extra-virgin olive oil. As deconstructed sushi: Eat it with steamed short-grain rice, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed strips for folding up the bites.

How to serve smoked salmon on its own? ›

Pair smoked salmon with crackers or bread for a simple snack.
  1. Cream cheese and fresh dill.
  2. Sour cream and black pepper.
  3. Horseradish and fresh dill.
  4. Radishes, sour cream, and grated egg yolk (after hard boiling an egg)
  5. Fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and fresh dill.
  6. Soy sauce and wasabi horseradish.
  7. Egg salad and capers.

How to eat cold smoked salmon? ›

The classic option is to serve a slice of the fish on a pancake or blini, but try it out in homemade sushi with cold smoked salmon, in tortilla rolls with cream cheese, or on toasted crostini too.

What is usually a main thickening agent of chowder? ›

A roux is the most common thickener for sauces and soups and comes in three colors and strengths: white, blond, and brown.

What ingredient does chowder always have? ›

Customarily, chowder included onion, potatoes, and cream.

What do you put on top of smoked salmon? ›

You'll love this loaded smoked salmon platter with fresh veggies, creamy cheese (in this case Labneh) and Mediterranean favorites like capers, olives, and marinated artichokes! Serve it for brunch with bagels or as an appetizer platter with your favorite crackers or pita wedges.

What kind of cheese goes with smoked salmon? ›

Cheese to use with smoked salmon

Cream cheese is the classic, obvious choice to pair with lox, but other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, labneh, brie, or feta (my favorite!)

What flavors are good for smoking salmon? ›

One popular wood chip option is alder, known for its mild flavor profile that complements the delicate flavor of salmon. For those looking for a stronger smoky taste, hickory wood chips are a great choice. Mesquite wood chips are also popular, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the salmon.

Can you eat smoked salmon every morning? ›

Smoked salmon usually has a lot of salt in it, and it may have other preservatives, like sulfites. If you eat it every day, you might want to think about how much other salt is in your diet. Smoke contains known carcinogens. Constant exposure might be a concern.

Is smoked salmon healthy? ›

It's packed with high quality protein, essential omega-3 fats, and several vitamins and minerals. However, it contains a significant amount of sodium, and cold-smoked varieties may increase your risk of listeriosis. Still, this smoky delicacy can be a healthy addition to your diet when eaten in moderation.

Can you eat smoked salmon straight from the packet? ›

Just because smoked salmon is “ready-to-eat” doesn't mean that there aren't several interesting, creative, and delectable ways to enjoy it! Of course, you can eat it right out of the package, or go a little further and simply enjoy it on a bagel with cream cheese, but why stop there?

What crackers go well with smoked salmon? ›

There are several types of crackers that work exceptionally well with smoked salmon, each of which can offer a unique taste and texture experience. For a subtle and nutty flavor, try pairing smoked salmon with whole-grain crackers.

What goes with smoked salmon dinner? ›

Salad – A leafy green salad, chopped salad or potato salad are all perfect pairings. Vegetables – Any vegetable side such as carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, pickles, grilled corn or corn on the cob taste great alongside this rich-tasting fish.

What is the difference between lox and cold smoked salmon? ›

Lox vs Smoked Salmon: What's the Differences? While lox is cured in a salty spice blend, smoked salmon may or may not be cured but is always smoked and has a slightly smokier flavor. Sight: Lox and cold smoked salmon are both glossy and thinly sliced. Hot smoked salmon looks like poached fish.

What makes a soup a chowder? ›

The difference between chowder, soup, and stew is that chowder is a soup made with broth that is thickened with flour and cream, with seafood and/or vegetables mixed in. Soup is made with water or broth and can host a variety of ingredients like pasta, vegetables, fruits, grains, meats or seafood.

What 2 ingredients are used to thicken the soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

What are the 2 basic categories of soup? ›

Soups are similar to stews, and in some cases there may not be a clear distinction between the two; however, soups generally have more liquid (broth) than stews. In traditional French cuisine, soups are classified into two main groups: clear soups and thick soups.

What are the two types of chowder? ›

New England clam chowder is thick, creamy, and milky-white. Manhattan clam chowder is tomatoey, brothy, and clear. Both types share a clean, briny, and slightly-sweet flavor thanks to the clams—but that's about it.

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