Skillet Salmon Stew: Easy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Skillet salmon stew is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Bursting with tender salmon, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this easy one pan meal has become a new favorite in my kitchen. This skillet salmon stew is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special, just like my grandmother used to do.

Growing up, stew was a staple, often born from whatever was lingering in the fridge. This skillet salmon stew takes that same resourceful spirit but elevates it with the richness of salmon. It’s proof that a delicious and satisfying meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

This skillet salmon stew is pure comfort in a bowl, offering a warm and hearty meal that is ready in under 30 minutes. It is fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough for company. The combination of flaky salmon, savory broth, and colorful vegetables makes for a complete and satisfying experience.

The ease of cooking everything in one skillet means minimal cleanup, which is always a win in my book. I remember the first time I made this skillet salmon stew for my family. My kids, who are typically picky eaters, devoured it. That’s when I knew I had a winner.

Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your liking. You can customize the vegetables and herbs to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. It is important to me that my recipes adapt to your pantry.

Ingredients Needed for This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

1. 2. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the thyme and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.

1. 3. Gently add the salmon pieces to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook the salmon.

1. 4. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they are heated through.

1. 5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

How to Serve This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

This skillet salmon stew is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a more substantial meal, serve it over rice or quinoa. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. I also like sprinkling a little parmesan on top for a salty flavor.

Consider a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew. A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also complement the flavors nicely. Do you want the stew to present well? Use a bowl to plate it; that way the flavors come together better.

How to Store This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

Let the skillet salmon stew cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep this timeframe in mind.

When reheating, simmer over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating.

Tips to Make This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the broth.
• Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale, based on your preference and what you have on hand. Get creative using your ingredients!
• If you do not have chicken broth, vegetable broth or fish stock can be used as substitutes.
• Use fresh salmon for optimal flavor and texture, but frozen salmon can be used if thawed completely.

Helpful Notes for This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

This recipe works well with different types of salmon, such as Coho, Sockeye, or King salmon. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the salmon fillets. The key is to cook the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork.

Smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the stew. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.

For a creamier skillet salmon stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

A trick that many chefs do at home for extra flavour is to add a small amount of anchovy paste to the garlic and onion.

Variation of This Skillet Salmon Stew Recipe

For a Mediterranean twist, add Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the stew.

Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

To make this recipe dairy free, omit the sour cream or Greek yogurt garnish, or use a dairy free alternative.

You may wish to review Skillet Salmon Wraps to build on this recipe. Have you seen our article about Lemon Stew 2?

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