Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe

This Old Bay seasoned smoked salmon chowder recipe is hearty and creamy and totally sublime.

When Manservant came home with 2 packages of smoked salmon (because they were on sale) I knew I needed to make this great smoked salmon chowder recipe.

After all, it was a major blizzard outside and we eventually ended up with 28″  of snow on our deck.  Luckily we have a snow blower, but it still took some time to get things cleared off.

He came in soaked and I knew that this salmon chowder would hit the spot.

Rich, but not over the top, mainly because I used 1/2 and 1/2 and not all heavy cream, this well seasoned chowder was a hearty dinner.

How does chowder differ from soup?

Soup is generally much thinner than chowder. Chowder most likely has some kind of thickener, milk or cream and often potatoes.

Why potatoes? Potatoes are used in this case as a thickener because they are starchy, so no flour needed.

There are exceptions to every rule though, so beware of Manhattan clam chowder that seems to ignore the rules of chowder-dom.

Does this salmon chowder recipe contain seafood too?

Most chowders do, but there are corn chowders, such as this one, that I made awhile ago that is best made with fish or shrimp. Otherwise there would be a lot going on!

However most chowders can be made with a variety of fish and shell fish. Feel free to experiment with this recipe and use it as a base for your own creation.

Many chowders also begin with bacon, but this salmon chowder recipe has butter as its base. Another reason it is so comfortingly rich. 

I also think that because we are talking about smoked salmon in this chowder recipe, there is no need for the extra smokiness that would come from bacon.

Is there a substitute for fish stock?

Often when I find myself needing fish stock I substitute chicken broth. Or veggie broth. But short of making your own fish stock, I find myself buying clam juice in the tuna fish aisle of the grocery. It is a great substitute.

Now if you are using some shrimp in this chowder, which is perfectly acceptable by the way, just save the shrimp shells, put them in a pot, cover them with water, place on a burner, bring to a boil and when they turn pink remove from heat.

(That was a long sentence!)

You have just now created your very own simple “fish” stock. Yes this can also be done with fish trimmings, lobster shells, mussels, and clams, too.

What is the difference between hot smoked salmon and cold smoked salmon?

Well, the name kind of gives it away! But hot smoked salmon, which is what is used in this recipe, is much flakier and also has more of a smoky taste.

Cold smoked salmon, such as lox, has a smooth and silky texture. It is great stirred into scrambled eggs or on a bagel, but I much prefer the hot smoked salmon in this recipe.

So besides the smoked salmon what makes this chowder so good?

This chowder is highly seasoned and that’s how I like it. Lots of garlic, celery and onion contribute to its flavor profile.

Using a touch of fennel seed, bay leaves, basil  and lots of Old Bay seasoning marks this chowder as one of my top rated salmon recipes!

 

Not familiar with Old Bay? You should be. Made with celery salt, paprika, pepper and  dry mustard it has a good kick. There are lots of make your own  Old Bay seasoning recipes on Google if you can’t find the real thing.

What else makes this chowder so worth it?

Besides the cream or milk or half and half, yes each can be substituted interchangeably, there is a bit of cream cheese in this. Not too much. Not too little. Just right!

Now I’m not wishing anyone a snow day, but with or without one, this smoked salmon chowder is divine. In fact there was enough leftover that I’m serving it to Manservant again tonight. I don’t think he will be unhappy.

What are you waiting for? Please give it a try!

Need a Few More?

Easy Gravlax Salmon

Overnight Lox and Bagels Casserole

Everything But The Bagel Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon

Old Bay Potato Salad

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