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Smoked Salmon Bisque

Featured in Cozy Bowls of Comfort.

Transform fresh and hot-smoked salmon into a luxurious bisque that's both elegant and comforting. This creamy soup combines two types of salmon with perfectly sautéed mushrooms and leeks, creating layers of delicate flavors. The combination of cream and milk gives it that silky-smooth texture you expect from a bisque, while fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smoky and fresh salmon flavors, making it an impressive dish that's actually simple to prepare. Perfect for special occasions or when you're craving something truly special.
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Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:42 GMT
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A bowl of creamy soup with bits of vegetables and herbs on top, served on a textured napkin. Pin it
A bowl of creamy soup with bits of vegetables and herbs on top, served on a textured napkin. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my favorite special occasion soup that turns any dinner into a celebration! After falling in love with a similar bisque at our local seafood restaurant I spent months perfecting this version at home. That magical combination of fresh and smoked salmon creates layers of flavor that'll make you feel like you're dining at a fancy restaurant. The first time I served this for our anniversary dinner my husband said it was better than any restaurant version he'd tried!

Why This Soup Is Extra Special

This isn't your ordinary salmon soup! The blend of fresh and smoked salmon creates this incredible depth of flavor while those perfectly sautéed vegetables and herbs build a beautiful foundation. Last Christmas Eve when I served this as our first course my seafood-loving sister couldn't believe it was homemade. Even my picky mom who usually avoids fish completely cleaned her bowl!

What You'll Need

  • The Base: Real butter, sweet onion, fresh leeks, mushrooms for depth, garlic cloves, good white wine, rich clam juice or fish stock.
  • The Stars: Fresh salmon chunks, quality smoked salmon, sweet tomatoes, heavy cream, fresh and dried herbs, your favorite seasonings.

Let's Start Cooking

Building Our Foundation
First we create magic with butter onions leeks and mushrooms. The kitchen starts smelling amazing as everything softens and combines. My family always drifts into the kitchen asking what smells so good!
Creating The Base
Adding that splash of wine watching it sizzle then building our broth with clam juice and tomatoes. Each ingredient adds another layer of flavor it's like conducting a delicious symphony!
The Salmon Symphony
When we add both types of salmon that's when pure magic happens. The fresh salmon cooks gently in the broth while the smoked salmon adds its beautiful depth. Watching it all come together is pure kitchen joy!
A white bowl filled with creamy soup featuring visible herbs and diced vegetables. Pin it
A white bowl filled with creamy soup featuring visible herbs and diced vegetables. | cookingkeys.com

Making It Perfect

Want to know my secrets for the best salmon bisque? Don't rush those vegetables at the start they need time to develop their flavors. When you're adding the fresh salmon keep the pieces bigger than bite-sized they'll break down naturally as they cook. And here's my favorite tip add the smoked salmon in small batches tasting as you go it's powerful and you want to find that perfect balance!

Serving It Up

I love serving this in my grandmother's old soup bowls with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top the color contrast is beautiful! Some warm crusty bread on the side is a must for soaking up every last drop. For dinner parties I'll serve smaller portions as a starter everyone always wants seconds. The swirl of cream on top and fresh herbs make it look like it came from a five-star restaurant!

Planning Ahead

Here's a great entertaining tip you can make the base ahead of time! Just prepare everything except the cream store it in the fridge then gently reheat and add the cream before serving. Though honestly in my house we rarely have leftovers everyone always wants more. When I do have extra I love having it for lunch the next day the flavors get even better!

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Sometimes I'll add a handful of baby shrimp or some lump crab meat. My dairy-sensitive friend loves it with coconut milk instead of cream gives it a lovely subtle sweetness. Once I added a touch of curry powder absolutely amazing! The fun part is finding your perfect combination.

A creamy bowl of soup garnished with a sprig of dill, featuring pieces of herbs and tomatoes. Pin it
A creamy bowl of soup garnished with a sprig of dill, featuring pieces of herbs and tomatoes. | cookingkeys.com

Why This Recipe Matters

This bisque has become our celebration soup! There's something so special about transforming simple ingredients into something that feels so luxurious. My kids are learning about building flavors watching how each ingredient adds its own special touch to create something wonderful. The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's faces light up with that first spoonful! Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because you want to make an ordinary day feel special this bisque never disappoints. And watching people discover they can make restaurant-quality soup at home? That's what makes cooking so rewarding!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of salmon should I use?
Hot-smoked salmon works best for this recipe as it has a stronger smoky flavor. You'll also need fresh salmon fillet for the chunks in the soup.
→ Can I make this soup ahead?
You can make the base a day ahead, but add the cream and fresh salmon just before serving. Reheat gently to prevent the dairy from curdling.
→ What can I substitute for clam juice?
Fish stock or seafood stock makes a good substitute. In a pinch, you can use vegetable stock, though the seafood flavor will be lighter.
→ Is blending the soup necessary?
Blending is optional. You can leave it chunky or blend some portion for a mix of textures. Either way, the soup will be delicious.
→ What can I serve with salmon bisque?
Crusty bread or oyster crackers work well. A simple green salad makes it a complete meal. For special occasions, serve it as a starter course.

Smoked Salmon Bisque

A creamy seafood bisque featuring hot-smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and tender salmon pieces. Perfect for special occasions or when craving a luxurious soup.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 ¼ cup butter.
02 ½ medium yellow onion, chopped.
03 1 cup leeks, thinly sliced.
04 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced.
05 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
06 32 oz clam juice.
07 4 oz hot smoked salmon, chopped.
08 2 cups whole tomatoes, canned.
09 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped.
10 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped.
11 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish.
12 Black pepper to taste.
13 Crushed red pepper to taste.
14 ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional).
15 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
16 1 cup milk.
17 1 cup cream.
18 ¾ pound fresh salmon fillet, cut into ½-inch cubes.
19 Kosher salt to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion, leeks, mushrooms, and garlic until onions turn clear and mushrooms release their liquid, about 10 minutes.

Step 02

Pour in clam juice, smoked salmon, and tomatoes (break them up as you add). Mix in herbs, peppers, and Old Bay if using.

Step 03

Whisk flour with milk until smooth in a separate bowl. Stir in cream, then blend into the soup.

Step 04

Mix in salmon cubes and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Don't let it boil after adding dairy.

Step 05

Optionally blend some or all of the soup. Season with salt and top with fresh dill.

Notes

  1. Hot-smoked salmon works best for stronger flavor.
  2. Soup can be left chunky or blended smooth.
  3. Keep heat low after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium stockpot.
  • Wire whisk.
  • Immersion blender or regular blender (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 299
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 20 g