Salmon Stew with potatoes also known as Marmitako de Salmon, is a simple nourishing dish packed with chunks of tender salmon, creamy potatoes, and the subtle sweetness of onions. This dish is a Spanish classic with a twist, it brings together the rustic flavors of Spain in a way that’s both hearty and healthy, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

It's the perfect salmon stew recipe for a cozy night in, this stew is full of flavors and textures of delightful chunks of flaky salmon and tender potatoes in a rich, savory broth.
This stew is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth. Pair it with a crisp white wine, like Albariño, and you’ve got a meal that transports you straight to the Spanish coast.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can easily switch up the fish or add other seafood like clams or shrimp. Each time, you get a slightly different but equally delightful stew.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Salmon Stew
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, so it's a breeze to prepare.
- Healthy: Salmon is packed with omega-3s and protein, and potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber, making this soup super nutritious.
- Rich and Comforting: The mix of potatoes, salmon, and tasty broth makes a delicious and cozy soup, great for any time.
- Spanish Twist: Inspired by the Spanish dish Marmitako de Salmon, this recipe brings a bit of Spain into your kitchen.
- Looks Great: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, this soup looks impressive and will be a hit with everyone.
🧾Salmon Stew Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Salmon Stew:

- Dried Peppers: I love using dried ñora peppers for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor in the broth.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity taste, but regular olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil work too.
- Veggies for Sofrito: Red pepper, onion, garlic, and tomatoes make the sofrito. Red pepper adds sweetness and color, onion gives a savory base, garlic adds a nice aroma, and tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness.
- Seasoning: I season with salt, black pepper, paprika, bay leaves, and dried chili for extra flavor and a bit of spice.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help thicken the broth, adding body and texture.
- White Wine: A splash of white wine adds acidity, depth, and a hint of sweetness.
- Water: I use water to adjust the soup's consistency and ensure everything cooks properly.
- Potatoes: Fresh potatoes add heartiness and a creamy texture. For a lower-carb option, you can use sweet potatoes or cauliflower.
- Fish Broth: Fish broth is the base, giving the soup a rich seafood flavor.
- Salmon: Good quality salmon adds a delicate, flaky texture and rich taste. You can also use tuna or cod if you prefer.
- Parsley: I like to garnish the soup with parsley for a fresh, herby touch.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Salmon Stew
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Heat olive oil. Sauté diced pepper, onion, and garlic until soft. Stir in paprika. Add diced tomatoes and simmer until juicy.
2. Stir in pepper paste. Add breadcrumbs and mix until thickened. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Blend the tomato mixture with water until smooth. Pour it into a pot, add bay leaves and chili, and stir well.
4. Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir. Pour in fish broth, and simmer until potatoes are tender.

5. Heat olive oil in a pan. Cut salmon into medium pieces, season with salt, and sear until golden on both sides.
6. Incorporate the seared salmon into the pot containing the potato and broth mixture.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily.
8. Present the delightful Salmon Stew (Marmitako de Salmon) hot, and sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving.
📖Variations
- Smoked Salmon and Potato Chowder: Use smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its smoky essence.
- Spicy Potato and Salmon Soup: Increase the amount of dried chili or add cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick. Garnish with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Creamy Potato and Salmon Chowder: Add cream or coconut milk to create a creamy texture in the soup. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Lemon-Dill Potato and Salmon Stew: Brighten the stew with the addition of fresh lemon juice and dill. This variation adds a refreshing and citrusy flavor to the dish.
🍽 What to Serve with Salmon Stew

Individual Bowls: Serve the stew in individual bowls for an elegant presentation. Make sure each serving includes a generous portion of salmon and potatoes.
Family-Style Serving: If serving for a family or a casual gathering, you can present the stew in a large pot at the table. Let everyone help themselves.
Accompaniments: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or toasted baguette slices to mop up the delicious broth.
Pair with a Side Salad: Accompany the soup with a simple side salad like Pasta Salad or Waldorf Salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Chilled Beverages: Serve with chilled white wine, a light beer, or a refreshing lemonade to complement the flavors of the soup.

💭Tips for Recipe Success
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Evenly-Sized Ingredients: Chop your veggies and potatoes evenly to cook them perfectly.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, add more broth or water. If it's too thin, let it simmer to thicken.
Taste as You Go: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to get it just right.
Reheating Fish: When reheating, do it gently to avoid overcooking the salmon. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
Storage: Let the soup cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best quality.
🍛More Soup Recipes to Try!
Are you enjoying this Salmon Stew? You’ll love these delicious soup recipes too:
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Lentil Soup with Vegetables
- Chicken Soup
- Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Black Eyed Peas Recipe
🍛More Comfort Food Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite comfort food recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
📖 Recipe

Salmon Stew

Ingredients
- 2 Dried Peppers
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 Onion
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 2 Tomatoes
- 40 g Breadcrumbs
- 100 ml White Wine
- 100 ml Water
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Dried Chilli
- 4 Potatoes
- 500 ml Fish Broth
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 500 g Salmon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Parsley
Instructions
- Start by soaking the dried peppers in warm water to soften them.
- In a large pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Cut red pepper into medium dice and add to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Chop onion, add to the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Mince the garlic cloves, add to the pan, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add paprika to the pot and stir well for 30 seconds.
- Dice the tomatoes and add them to the pot. Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Remove the dried chili from the water, place it on a cutting board, remove the meat from the chili, and place it in a small bowl.
- Add the pepper paste to the pan and stir well.
- Incorporate the breadcrumbs into the mixture and stir to create a thick base.
- Pour in white wine and cook for two minutes.
- Place the tomato mixture in a hand blender, add water, and blend until a smooth paste.
- Pour the tomato paste mixture into a pot.
- Add bay leaves and chili, and stir well.
- Chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Add them to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Pour in the fish broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate pan, heat extra virgin olive oil.
- Cut the salmon into medium pieces.
- Add the salmon pieces to the pan, season with salt, and sear it on both sides until golden brown.
- Add the seared salmon to the pot with the potato and broth mixture.
- Simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Serve the flavorful Salmon with Potatoes (Marmitako de Salmon) hot and garnish it with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
I love how the salmon stays perfectly tender in this stew. The veggies are the perfect complement with a bit of bite.