Bowl of creamy chowder filled with chunks of Alaska cod, flakes of smoked salmon, potatoes, and herbs, served warm.

This creamy, family-friendly chowder brings together wild Alaska cod and smoked salmon for a cozy, satisfying bowl of comfort. With tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a lightly smoky finish, it’s a flavorful twist on classic seafood chowder that’s easy enough for weeknights and perfect for colder months.

  • Prep Time:

    10 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    25 minutes

  • Total Time:

    35 minutes

  • Servings:

    4

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1 large leek (white and light green part only), thinly sliced
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 1 can (14.5 oz.) vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 10 oz. Alaska cod fillets, fresh, frozen or thawed
    • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
    • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
    • 6 oz. smoked Alaska salmon, broken into pieces (or substitute Wild Alaskan canned smoked salmon for an easy pantry version)
    • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1-1/2 cups milk
    • Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
  • Instructions:

    1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and leeks; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, but not browned.
    2. Add the potatoes, broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or just until potatoes are tender.
    3. Rinse any ice glaze from frozen Alaska cod under cold water. Turn off heat and gently add seafood and herbs to liquid. Return heat to a simmer. Once simmering, cover pan and cook 4-5 minutes for frozen cod or 2 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Break cod into large chunks; add smoked salmon pieces.
    4. Blend the cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of the milk. Stir mixture into remaining milk; pour milk into saucepan. Heat, stirring gently, until the chowder thickens, is piping hot and cod is cooked through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    5. Variation Add a handful of frozen peas or corn (or both) when adding the seafood.