How to Make Delicious Salmon Stew – A Step-by-Step Guide

Salmon stew is the ultimate comforting, hearty dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. This seafood stew is chock full of chunky salmon, potatoes, herbs and vegetables simmered in a savory, creamy broth The classic preparation transforms humble canned salmon into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing one-pot meal

In this article, I’ll share how to make flavorful salmon stew with a simple recipe and helpful tips for maximizing flavor. This versatile stew works for both indoor and outdoor cooking. Before you know it you’ll have a new favorite cozy dinner to add to your regular rotation.

Salmon Stew Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make basic salmon stew:

• Salmon – Use canned (3 cans) or fresh (15 lbs). Canned pink or red salmon works well and is budget friendly.

• Potatoes – Russets (5 medium) or red potatoes (5 medium) hold their shape when simmered. Peel and cut into 1-inch chunks.

• Milk or cream – For body and richness. Whole milk (2 cups), evaporated milk (12 oz) or half-and-half (1 cup) work well.

• Butter or oil – For cooking aromatics and soup base. Olive oil (2 tbsp) or butter (2 tbsp) provide flavor.

• Onion (1 medium) and celery (2 ribs) – Standard soup vegetables to provide an aromatic base.

• Chicken or vegetable broth – For extra liquid and flavor. Use 2-4 cups with or instead of milk/cream.

• Herbs – Fresh or dried parsley (1⁄4 cup), thyme (1 tsp), rosemary (1 tsp), etc. boost flavor.

• Corn – For sweetness and color contrast. Fresh (1 cup), frozen (1 cup) or canned (1 cup) kernels.

• Bacon – Optional, but adds smoky depth and crunchy texture. 2 slices, cooked and crumbled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof salmon stew:

1. Sauté onion and celery: Heat 1-2 tbsp oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.

2. Simmer potatoes: Add broth (4 cups) and potatoes to pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Prepare salmon: If using canned (2 cans), drain liquid into pot. Remove any bones/skin. Chop larger pieces. For fresh (1 lb), cut into chunks.

4. Add salmon and remaining ingredients: Once potatoes are tender, add prepared salmon, cream/milk (1 cup), corn (1 cup) and seasonings (1 tsp salt, 1⁄2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp herbs) to taste.

5. Simmer stew: Bring back to a gentle simmer and cook 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

6. Finish with extras (optional): Stir in cooked bacon bits (2 slices), chopped parsley (2 tbsp) or snip fresh herbs on top.

That’s it – easy salmon stew ready in about 30 minutes! The basic method leaves room to customize recipes based on what you have on hand.

Handy Tips for Salmon Stew

• For a thicker stew, mix in 2 tbsp flour along with milk/cream.

• Substitute half milk/cream with coconut milk (1 cup) for a dairy-free option.

• For extra richness, finish with a swirl of heavy cream (1/4 cup).

• Add diced carrots (1 cup) or other veggies like spinach (1 cup) or kale (1 cup).

• Use bone-in salmon cuts and simmer until meat falls off bones.

• For outdoor cooking, assemble in foil packs instead of a pot.

• Cook in a slow cooker on low 4-6 hours for hands off stew.

• Stir in cooked shrimp (6 oz) or lobster meat (6 oz) the last 5 minutes for seafood stew.

• Top bowls with oyster crackers (1/4 cup), croutons (1/4 cup) or crumbled cornbread (1/4 cup).

Salmon Stew Flavor Variations

Tailor salmon stew to your taste by mixing up the seasonings:

• Italian – basil (1 tbsp), oregano (1 tsp), red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp)

• French – thyme (1 tsp), bay leaf (1), tarragon (1 tsp)

• Southern – Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp), smoked paprika (1 tsp)

• Mexican – cumin (1 tsp), chili powder (1 tsp), cilantro (1/4 cup)

• Indian – curry powder (1 tbsp), garam masala (1 tbsp)

• Asian – ginger (1 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tsp), soy sauce (1 tbsp)

Serve salmon stew with crusty bread, a green salad or roasted veggies for a satisfying, comforting meal. The possibilities are endless with this versatile seafood stew!

Salmon Stew Recipe

This easy recipe combines salmon with classic flavors for a hearty stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans pink salmon, drained and flaked
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add potatoes, milk, salmon with liquid and bring to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.

3. Stir in corn, Cajun seasoning and cayenne. Cook 5 more minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish bowls with parsley.

5. Serve with oyster crackers, hot sauce or Tabasco and enjoy!

Campfire Salmon Stew

Take salmon stew on your next camping trip or cook it over a backyard bonfire with this easy recipe. The ingredients can be prepped ahead of time at home for simple assembly on site.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb new potatoes, chopped
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 (5 oz) salmon fillets, skinned and cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare foil packets by placing potatoes, sausage, onion, salmon, corn and tomatoes in center.

2. Pour broth over and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, lemon juice and s&p.

3. Seal packets tightly and place directly on campfire grates or above flames on a grill.

4. Cook 20-25 minutes until salmon is opaque and veggies are tender.

5. Carefully open packets to release steam before serving stew.

The sealed packets steam the ingredients creating an easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup. Enjoy the outdoors and let the campfire do the cooking!

Salmon stew is simple to prepare, budget friendly and very versatile. Follow the basic formula of salmon + potatoes + aromatics + creamy broth and then customize to your taste. Cook it indoors in a pot or over a campfire for a hearty, comforting dish the whole family will love. With this easy recipe and handy tips, you can master delicious salmon stew in no time!