Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy salmon chowder inspired by Seattle’s cool, rainy weather, packed with fresh vegetables and tender salmon chunks. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium, diced yellow onion, diced celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat until foaming. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 medium diced carrot, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and thickens.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups whole milk, then add 2 medium peeled and diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb salmon chunks, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 8 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Seattle-Style Rainy Day Salmon Chowder?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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