Cozy Homemade Salmon Stew: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Salmon stew is a hearty dish that warms both body and soul.

This recipe brings together the rich taste of fresh salmon with a mix of tasty ingredients.

Many people have enjoyed making salmon dishes because they are versatile and healthy.

The stew highlights the essence of seaside cooking, combining fish with flavorful vegetables and spices.

Different regions put their own spin on this classic comfort food by using local ingredients and flavors.

Those who love seafood enjoy the straightforward yet deep flavors that salmon stew offers at mealtime.

Simple Steps To Make Salmon Stew

Step 1: Awaken Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Sliced leek
• Saffron threads
• Chili flakes

Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced zucchini

Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for additional minute.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Crumble fish bouillon cubes into pot. Pour hot water and cream. Stir thoroughly and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Salmon

Gently slide salmon pieces into simmering liquid. Cook for 5 minutes until fish is perfectly tender and opaque.

Step 5: Final Ocean Touch

• Fresh shrimp
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Fresh thyme leaves

Simmer for 1 minute, ensuring shrimp heats through without overcooking.

Step 6: Season And Plate

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately.

Tips To Get Rich Flavor In Salmon Stew

• Choose Fresh Seafood: Select high-quality, fresh salmon and shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your stew.
• Control Heat Levels: Adjust chili flakes to match your spice preference, from mild to extra spicy for adventurous palates.
• Prevent Overcooking Seafood: Keep cooking time short for salmon and shrimp to maintain their delicate, tender consistency and prevent rubbery texture.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté aromatics and vegetables first to build a rich, deep flavor foundation before adding seafood and liquid.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use vegetable broth instead of fish bouillon for a lighter base.

How To Store Salmon Stew For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon stew in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the stew in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain the fish's delicate texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Heat just until the stew is warmed through to prevent the salmon and shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery.
• Discard Wisely: Throw out any leftovers that have been stored for more than 2 days or show signs of spoilage.

What To Serve With Salmon Stew

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salmon's richness and cut through the creamy broth. Its zesty acidity balances the stew's delicate seafood flavors perfectly.
• Crusty Artisan Bread Companion: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the flavorful broth. The bread's slightly tangy crust and soft interior provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender salmon and shrimp.
• Mediterranean Side Salad Boost: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette. This fresh, bright side dish adds a crisp, clean element that enhances the stew's complex seafood profile and brings a Mediterranean touch to the meal.
• Herbal Garnish Finisher: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of the stew just before serving. These herbs add a burst of freshness, lift the dish's flavors, and provide a vibrant green garnish that makes the stew look even more appetizing.

Delicious Twists On Traditional Salmon Stew

• Gluten-Free Salmon Stew: Replace wheat-based bouillon cubes with gluten-free fish stock or homemade seafood broth. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Seafood Variation: Swap zucchini with cauliflower florets and reduce bell peppers. Use heavy cream alternative or coconut cream for added richness.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Version: Substitute cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and add extra herbs like oregano and parsley.
• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Increase chili flakes and add fresh jalapeños. Include smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Incorporate cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.

Your Salmon Stew FAQ List

• Is salmon stew healthy?

Yes, salmon stew is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal that supports heart and brain health.

• Can I use different types of fish?

Absolutely! While salmon is recommended, you can substitute with cod, halibut, or sea bass for similar texture and flavor profiles.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork, which typically takes about 5 minutes of simmering in the stew liquid.

• What makes this stew unique?

The combination of saffron, chili flakes, and thyme creates a complex, aromatic flavor that elevates this seafood stew beyond a simple recipe, giving it a Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Why Salmon Stew Is So Comforting And Hearty

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this soul-warming salmon stew in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet effortless.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with omega-3 rich salmon, succulent shrimp, and colorful vegetables, this one-pot wonder delivers a powerful nutritional punch in every spoonful.
• Flavor Explosion: Harmonious blend of saffron, chili flakes, and fresh thyme creates a Mediterranean-inspired taste profile that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using a single pot means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen chaos.

What You Need For Salmon Stew

• Salmon: Rich and flaky fish that forms the star of the stew.
• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that adds delicate texture and oceanic flavor.

• Leek: Mild onion-like vegetable providing subtle sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable adding crunch and mild peppery notes.
• Zucchini: Soft vegetable offering a gentle background flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, small tomatoes bringing fresh bursts of acidity.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient creating deep flavor foundation.
• Olive Oil: Classic cooking oil for sautéing and building base.
• Chili Flakes: Spicy element adding gentle heat and complexity.
• Saffron: Luxurious spice contributing golden color and exotic taste.
• Thyme: Herbal component with earthy, slightly minty undertones.

• Fish Bouillon Cubes: Concentrated seafood stock for rich broth.
• Hot Water: Liquid base for creating stew consistency.
• Cream: Smooth ingredient adding richness and velvety texture.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall dish flavor.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice for adding gentle warmth and depth.

Hearty Salmon Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting Norwegian salmon stew brings coastal flavors straight to your kitchen, blending rich maritime traditions with simple, hearty ingredients. Salt, pepper, and dill infuse this classic dish with warmth, inviting you to savor a taste of Scandinavian culinary heritage.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb salmon fillet (skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• ¼ lb peeled shrimp

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups chopped leek (1 small leek)
• 2 red bell peppers (chopped)
• 2 cups zucchini (cut in half-moons, ½-inch thick; about 1 zucchini)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ¾ teaspoon ground saffron (or less for a budget-friendly option)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter/neutral cooking oil)
• 2 fish bouillon cubes (or use homemade fish stock)
• 3 cups hot water
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half and half/light cream/milk)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel and drizzle olive oil across its surface over moderate heat, releasing fragrant aromatics of garlic, leek, saffron, and chili flakes to develop a rich flavor foundation.
2. Introduce colorful bell peppers and tender zucchini into the pot, stirring to create a vibrant vegetable medley. Incorporate tomato paste and allow its deep essence to caramelize briefly.
3. Dissolve fish bouillon cubes into the mixture, creating a robust liquid base by gently pouring hot water and cream. Allow the liquid to gently bubble and marry flavors for approximately ten minutes.
4. Carefully nestle salmon pieces into the simmering broth, permitting them to cook delicately until they transform from translucent to opaque, indicating perfect doneness.
5. Incorporate succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic thyme sprigs, allowing them to warm through momentarily without overcooking the delicate seafood.
6. Perform a final flavor assessment, delicately adjusting seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Transfer the luxurious stew into serving bowls, presenting a harmonious seafood dish bursting with Mediterranean influences.

Notes

• Select fresh salmon with firm, bright flesh to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
• Use low-sodium fish bouillon cubes to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Cut salmon and shrimp into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and a consistent eating experience.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg