Instant Pot Salmon Chowder Easy and Healthy Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed the warmth and comfort of a good chowder, and with the invention of the Instant Pot, making a delicious salmon chowder has become even more convenient. Creating this creamy, hearty dish in a pressure cooker not only allows for a quick and easy cooking experience but also infuses the flavors beautifully!

As someone who appreciates a healthy and tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, Instant Pot salmon chowder is a game changer.

Starting with fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, I sauté them until they’re just tender, which lays the foundation for a flavorful chowder.

Including chunks of succulent, pink salmon and a mixture of broth and cream creates a richly satisfying soup that’s sure to impress.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or I’m just in need of some culinary comfort, this recipe is my go-to for a no-fuss, nourishing meal.

Key Takeaways

• Instant Pot makes cooking salmon chowder quick and infuses flavors well.
• Fresh vegetables and salmon are essential for a rich, savory chowder.
• The recipe is an effortless way to prepare a comforting and healthy meal.

Preparation of Ingredients

Before we dive into making our delicious Instant Pot salmon chowder, let me guide you through the essential step of preparing our ingredients. Freshness and proper handling are key to ensuring our chowder tastes fantastic and is safe to eat.

Vegetable Preparation

In my kitchen, vegetable prep is always the first step.

For this chowder, I make sure the celery and onions are finely chopped to meld seamlessly into the soup, providing flavor without overpowering each spoonful. The garlic needs to be minced to release its full aroma, which will infuse the chowder with that cozy, home-cooked scent and taste.

For potatoes, I like to dice them into bite-sized pieces, about half an inch each, to ensure they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.

With carrots, I aim for a similar size, so they match the potatoes visually and texturally.

Tomatoes, if used, are either diced or if I’m going with canned tomatoes, I ensure they are well-drained to prevent the chowder from becoming watery.

• Celery, onion, garlic: finely chopped/minced
• Potatoes, carrot: diced into even, bite-sized pieces
• Tomatoes: fresh diced or well-drained canned

Fish and Seafood Handling

Now, onto the star of the chowder: salmon.

If I’m using fresh salmon, I check for pin bones first, then cut the fish into one-inch chunks, keeping an eye out for even cooking.

When working with smoked salmon, I might tear or cut it into smaller pieces, as its flavor is quite robust and a little goes a long way.

If you’re opting for canned salmon, like those quick evenings when time isn’t on our side, I ensure to drain it well and remove any bones and skin before flaking the fish into the pot.

Always remember to handle all seafood with care to avoid cross-contamination; I keep it refrigerated until just before it’s ready to go into the Instant Pot.

• Fresh or smoked salmon: checked for bones, cut into one-inch chunks or flaked
• Canned salmon: drained, deboned, and skinned

Cooking Process

When making Instant Pot salmon chowder, the key to a hearty and tasty dish is mastering the cooking process. I’ll share how to create this comforting soup using both the Instant Pot, which speeds things up significantly, and the stovetop method, for those who prefer a more traditional approach.

Using the Instant Pot

To make a delicious Instant Pot salmon chowder, I start by setting my Instant Pot to the Saute function.

It’s crucial to saute ingredients like onions, celery, and carrots in butter to build a flavor base.

Once they’re softened, I deglaze the pot with fish or seafood stock. This step is important to ensure no flavorful bits are left stuck to the bottom.

Next, I add potatoes, corn, and bay leaves, giving the chowder its classic texture and taste.

Before pressure cooking, I stir in some cream cheese—a secret to my creamier chowder—ensuring it melts well into the broth.

Step	Action
1	Set Instant Pot to sauté and cook vegetables in butter
2	Deglaze pot with fish or seafood stock
3	Add corn, potatoes, and bay leaves
4	Stir in cream cheese

After that, it’s a matter of sealing the Instant Pot and setting it to Manual or Pressure Cook on Medium for just 10 minutes.

Once the time is up, I carefully do a quick release and stir in heavy cream and the star of the show—flaked salmon, seasoned with Old Bay seasoning.

I hit Cancel to turn off the heat before serving this hearty soup directly from the pot.

Stovetop Method

For those who don’t use an Instant Pot, the stovetop method is just as effective for making salmon chowder.

I begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat and then saute the core vegetables.

After they’re softened, I pour in the broth, being sure to deglaze the pot.

The vegetables are simmered until they become tender, and then I add the salmon, cream, and seasonings, such as Old Bay, to the mix.

Simmering everything on a gentle flame allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

The last step is stirring in the cream slowly—this ensures that the soup thickens to the perfect consistency without the cream curdling.

Consistent stirring and a watchful eye are key to a perfectly balanced chowder texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

I know you’ve got questions about whipping up a delicious salmon chowder in your Instant Pot. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked ones to ensure your chowder turns out perfectly every time.

What ingredients do I need for a healthy salmon chowder in the Instant Pot?

For a hearty and healthy salmon chowder, I ensure my pantry is stocked with essentials like onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and, of course, salmon—canned or fresh works fine.

You’ll also want to have chicken or vegetable broth, a splash of heavy cream for richness, and your choice of herbs for added flavor. Adding corn and potatoes makes the chowder more filling and provides a good dose of vegetables.

Can you share a simple recipe for making salmon chowder in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in some butter until soft. Then, add diced potatoes, seasonings, salmon chunks, and broth to the pot.

Seal your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for a few minutes. Release the pressure, stir in some cream, and you’ve got a simple yet scrumptious salmon chowder.

For a complete step-by-step recipe, check out this guide on How To Make Dinner.

What is the best way to incorporate smoked salmon into an Instant Pot chowder recipe?

Smoked salmon adds a rich, deep flavor to chowder. To incorporate it, add the smoked salmon pieces after pressure cooking the base of your chowder, so it retains its smoky flavor without overcooking.

If you need inspiration, this delicious Pacific-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder might be just what you’re looking for.

How can I make a fish chowder with potatoes in my Instant Pot?

Potatoes are a staple in fish chowder for their creamy texture. Cube them up and add them to your sautéed aromatics before sealing the pot.

Pressure cook until the potatoes are tender. They’ll absorb the flavors of the broth and salmon beautifully.

For a step-by-step guide, Winding Creek Ranch offers an Easy Instant Pot Salmon Chowder recipe that includes potatoes.

Are there any tips for making a blackened salmon chowder in an Instant Pot?

For a blackened salmon chowder, I’d recommend seasoning your salmon with a cajun or blackening spice mix before adding it to the pot.

You could briefly sauté the seasoned fish on the sauté function to lock in the spices, then proceed with building your chowder base.

Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will cook further when you pressure cook the chowder.

Is it possible to prepare a keto-friendly salmon chowder in the Instant Pot, and if so, how?

Yes, a keto-friendly salmon chowder is totally possible and delicious.

The key is to substitute heavy carbs like potatoes with low-carb veggies like cauliflower.

Use full-fat cream to maintain the richness, and consider using a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum if needed.

Season generously with herbs and spices, and you’ll have a satisfying keto-friendly chowder.