Nothing is better than a perfectly cooked piece of Instant Pot Lemon Salmon. Made to absolute perfection thanks to the Instant Pot.
With only a few minutes to prepare, this is the best way to make a roasted salmon dinner for the entire family.
I love that it cooks up without me working on it. It’s literally cooking itself up. Perfectly seasoned and delicious!
You can easily serve this with rice, pasta, or even a garden salad for a complete, healthy, and delicious meal.
If you are looking for some other Easy Instant Pot Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND RICE, INSTANT POT SWEET BELL PEPPER COUSCOUS (FIESTA), INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP, and NINJA FOODI OR INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH.
Can You Cook Salmon In Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook salmon in an Instant Pot, and it’s a great method for steaming the fish and ensuring a moist and tender result. The Instant Pot can be particularly beneficial when you’re looking to cook salmon quickly or infuse it with flavors from broths or marinades.
Why You Will Love Instant Pot Lemon Salmon
- Quick and Efficient: The Instant Pot, a pressure cooker, can cook salmon rapidly.
- Consistent Results: The controlled environment of the Instant Pot ensures that the salmon is cooked uniformly every time, reducing the risk of overcooking or uneven cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: The closed environment of the Instant Pot allows the flavors, such as that of lemon, to be more deeply infused into the salmon.
- Moist and Tender Outcome: The Instant Pot’s steam pressure cooking method ensures the salmon remains moist and tender, reducing the chances of it becoming dry or overcooked.
- Less Monitoring: Unlike grilling or pan-frying, where you need to watch the salmon closely, the Instant Pot requires minimal supervision once set. You can attend to other tasks or preparations while the salmon cooks.
- Less Mess: Cooking in the Instant Pot can help contain cooking odors and reduce splatters or grease.
- Versatility: The Instant Pot allows you to add other ingredients and flavors, such as vegetables or broth, that can be cooked simultaneously with the salmon.
- Natural Flavors: When combined with the salmon in the Instant Pot, the lemon’s acidity and aroma create a harmonious balance.
Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Lemon Salmon
Here are the simple ingredients you will need:
Remember that the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the post, and the nutritional information.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen salmon fillets with a vibrant color, typically ranging from pink to a deep reddish-orange.
- Lemon: Fresh, plump lemons are best. They should be firm with slightly glossy skin.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will add depth and a savory aroma.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This serves as the liquid base for the Instant Pot.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil can add a rich and fruity flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Dill, parsley, or chives can be added.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: While table salt works, sea salt or kosher salt can provide a better texture and flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Those who desire a hint of spice can sprinkle red pepper flakes into the dish.
How To Make Lemon Salmon In Instant Pot
This easy-to-follow guide will show you all the steps to make this amazing dish featuring lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and dill – perfect for a quick yet impressive midweek meal!
Preparation: Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Zest one lemon, then slice it. You’ll use the zest, slices, and juice for different steps. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the herbs, if using.
Season the salmon: Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides. Season them with salt, pepper, lemon zest, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Place 1-2 lemon slices on top of each fillet.
Instant Pot Setup: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot. The liquid is essential for generating steam to pressure cook. Place the trivet (which typically comes with the Instant Pot) inside the pot. This will elevate the salmon above the liquid and ensure it steams rather than boils.
Add the Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets on the trivet. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot’s lid. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 3-4 minutes. (The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets might require an additional minute.)
Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is done, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn the release valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Serving: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Using a spatula, lift the salmon fillets out of the pot and transfer them to serving plates. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired. Remove the cooked lemon slices from the top of the salmon before eating, or leave them for presentation. Serve the lemon salmon with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!
Instant Pot Lemon Salmon Recipe Tips
- Salmon Thickness Matters: The thicker your salmon fillet, the longer it will need to cook. For instance, a 1-inch thick fillet might need 3-4 minutes on high pressure, but a 1.5-inch thick fillet might need 5 minutes. Adjust accordingly.
- Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Skin On vs. Skin Off: While you can cook salmon with either skin on or off, retaining the skin can help keep the fillet intact and provide a slight barrier from the direct heat.
- Broth for Flavor: Instead of just using water, opt for broth. Vegetables, chicken, or even a seafood broth can add a layer of flavor to the salmon.
- Quick Sauce: After cooking, flavorful liquid will be left in the Instant Pot. To make a quick sauce, set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode, add a dab of butter, cream, or some white wine, and reduce the liquid.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: If you use delicate herbs like dill, chives, or parsley, consider adding them after the salmon has cooked.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon should flake easily with a fork when it’s done. If you prefer your salmon medium or even medium-rare, you’ll want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re cooking multiple fillets, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much.
- Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor further by adding aromatics like sliced onions, lemongrass, ginger, or bay leaves to the broth.
- Frozen Salmon: If you’re starting with frozen salmon, you can still cook it in the Instant Pot. Just add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Ensure the salmon is separated and not frozen in a thick block for even cooking.
Instant Pot Lemon Salmon Recipe Faqs
Can I cook frozen salmon in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the Instant Pot. Add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, and ensure the fillets are not stuck together in a block for even cooking.
Do I need to use the trivet in the Instant Pot when cooking salmon? Yes, it’s recommended to use the trivet. It keeps the salmon elevated above the liquid, ensuring it steams rather than boils, preserving the salmon’s texture and flavor.
How do I prevent my salmon from becoming dry or overcooked? Be mindful of the thickness of the fillet when setting the cooking time. Always allow for natural pressure release for at least 5 minutes before quick releasing. This helps in keeping the salmon moist.
Can I use other liquids besides broth for cooking salmon in the Instant Pot? Absolutely! While broth adds flavor, you can also use water, white wine, or a combination. Adding aromatics or citrus slices to the liquid can infuse additional flavors.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked? Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. For those who prefer salmon medium or medium-rare, the inside should be slightly translucent.
Can I cook other types of fish in the Instant Pot using this method? Yes, this method can be adapted for other fish. However, cooking times may vary based on the type and thickness of the fish.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot when cooking salmon? Yes, you can add quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or bell pepper strips. Place them on top or around the salmon fillets to steam alongside.
How should I store leftover salmon? Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed when fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated.
Is there a risk of over-pressurizing the Instant Pot with fish since it cooks quickly? No, the Instant Pot is designed with safety mechanisms to prevent over-pressurization. Just ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommended fill levels.
Can I marinate the salmon before cooking it in the Instant Pot Yes, marinating the salmon can add additional flavor. However, since the Instant Pot cooks under pressure, the flavors intensify, so it’s best to use light and balanced marinades to avoid overpowering the fish.
More Instant Pot Recipes
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Instant Pot Lemon Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 2-4 salmon fillets
- 1-2 lemons, for zest, slices, and juice
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken , or vegetable broth
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- A small bunch of fresh herbs, dill, parsley, or chives, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Zest one lemon, then slice it. You’ll use the zest, slices, and juice for different steps.
- Mince the garlic cloves and chop the herbs, if using.
- Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides. Season them with salt, pepper, lemon zest, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place 1-2 lemon slices on top of each fillet.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot. The liquid is essential for generating steam to pressure cook.
- Place the trivet (which typically comes with the Instant Pot) inside the pot. This will elevate the salmon above the liquid and ensure it steams rather than boils.
- Arrange the salmon fillets on the trivet. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much.
- Secure the Instant Pot’s lid. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 3-4 minutes. (The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets might require an additional minute.)
- Once the cooking cycle is done, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn the release valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Using a spatula, lift the salmon fillets out of the pot and transfer them to serving plates.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired. Remove the cooked lemon slices from the top of the salmon before eating, or you can leave them for presentation.
- Serve the lemon salmon with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Equipment
- Instant Pot, Or Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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