How to cook salmon (fresh or frozen!) without sacrificing flavor or tenderness: instant pot salmonPressure cooking is surprisingly effective and delicious How to prepare salmon fillets that are flaky, moist and perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
There is one way to cook your favorite fish. Instant Pot!
The results were pleasing and frankly shocked me.
The Instant Pot delivers flaky, moist salmon in less than 20 minutes total with little cleanup.
There are many great ways to cook salmon, but a pressure cooker may be my new go-to.
This post explains everything you need to know to cook salmon to perfection in your Instant Pot.
From how to get the salmon to the right temperature in the Instant Pot, to flavor variations and what to garnish, this easy and comprehensive recipe has you covered.
How to make the best instant pot salmon recipe
Instant Pot salmon is healthy and easy, and here are the results: wonderful.
- this is fast. fresh salmon fillet 1 minute When the pressure hits, the Instant Pot.
- it requires very few ingredientsThe cooking liquid is water (no butter, soup or oil).
- VersatileSeason the salmon with your favorite flavor. Start with this salmon seasoning and change it up so you don’t get bored with this healthy dinner and healthy protein.
perfect temperature for salmon
The main way to spoil salmon is to overcook it and end up with dry, sad salmon.
To get moist, happy salmon, do this:
- Salmon must be registered at 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit Instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part.
- If the salmon is above 145 degrees Fahrenheit After opening the Instant Pot, remove and serve immediately.
- For salmon at 135-140 degrees Fput it in the pot without the lid for 5 minutes and wait for the temperature to rise.
- If the salmon is below 135 degrees Fahrenheitput the Instant Pot back on and let the salmon sit for a few more minutes to continue cooking in the hot pan.
Cooking time for instant pot salmon.
You can make fresh or frozen salmon in your Instant Pot.
If frozen, increase heating time by 3 minutes.
For 1 inch salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- for fresh fillets. pressure cook time 1 minute on HIGH (manual) pressure. After the cooking time is up, quickly release the remaining pressure by venting.
- for frozen fillets. pressure cook time 4 minutes on HIGH (manual) pressure. After the cooking time is up, quickly release the remaining pressure by venting.
For thin or thick fillets
- thin and smallIf your salmon is fresh and thinner than 3/4 to 1 inch or weighs less than 5 ounces, Set Instant Pot to 0 minutesIt sounds crazy, but it’s enough pressure build time to cook salmon.
- thick/heavyIf it is too thick or heavy, increase the heating time by 1-2 minutes.
component
- waterThe Instant Pot needs cooking liquid to put pressure on the cooker and keep the food from burning.
- salmonI recommend the center cut salmon with skin. Leaving it on your skin has the added benefit of locking in excess moisture.
Hint!
Buy fillets that are about the same thickness and size so they cook in the same amount of time.
- salt and pepperIf you stop here with the seasoning, the salmon will still be great.
- dried herbsDillweed, Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme are all excellent additions and complement the flavor of the salmon.
- lemonA lemon slice complements the salmon and gives it a sparkle. This is optional, but very refreshing. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end is nice too.
direction
- Add water to the Instant Pot and place the salmon skin side down in a single layer on the trivet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
- Place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.cooking instant pot salmon expensive pressure 1 minute for fresh fillets again 4 minutes for frozen fillet.
- Set the timer to lock the lid and build pressure. Manually vent the quick pressure release valve as soon as the cooking time is over. Check doneness of salmon (see temperature information above).
- Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. fun!
instant pot trivet
A trivet (or steam rack) is a metal wire rack with handles that comes with your Instant Pot.
- Trivets allow you to easily lift the salmon when it’s done, rather than just scooping it up and risking it falling apart. Salmon is delicate, so the trivet is very helpful.
- If you don’t have a trivet anymore, no problem. Alternatively, you can wrap the salmon together in foil (my recommendation), or simply place it in the water.
Variations of Instant Pot Salmon
See these other salmon recipes for flavor ideas and how to make different glazes and seasonings when pressure cooking salmon.
storage tips
- to the storeRefrigerate leftover Instant Pot Salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- reheatLightly reheat salmon in skillet over medium-low heat.
- To freezeFreezing cooked salmon is not recommended as it can affect the texture and make the salmon taste more fishy.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Salmon
- riceSalmon and rice go great together! I like to make rice in bulk in my Instant Pot using Instant Pot brown rice and freeze individual portions for a ready-to-use dinner side.
- potatoHealthy carbs like potatoes complement a salmon dinner beautifully. You can try garlic mashed potatoes or oven roasted potatoes.
- roasted vegetablesFor all things roasted vegetables, see this extensive oven-roasted vegetable guide. Roasted Brussels sprouts are also a fan favorite.
- steamed vegetablesFor a real shortcut, add veggies to your Instant Pot and steam them with your salmon. Salmon and broccoli in the Instant Pot make for an easy and healthy dinner, and salmon with asparagus or green beans is a totally classic pairing.
- saladKeep it simple with the Arugula Salad, or add healthy carbs and Italian flair with the Italian Farro Salad.
Recommended tools for making this recipe
- instant pot trivetIf you throw or lose the wire trivet that came with your Instant Pot, don’t worry. This insert fits 6 and 8 quart models.
- instant read thermometerThe internal temperature determines doneness, so it’s essential for perfect salmon cooking.
- instant potAn instant pot that can do anything from cooking rice to making yogurt. I especially like the “sauté” feature.
instant read thermometer
An essential tool for cooking meat and fish, this thermometer is easy to use and affordable.
If you haven’t tried salmon in the Instant Pot yet, welcome! This method will delight and surprise you.
FAQ
absolutely! There are many ways to prepare this healthy fish to keep it in a healthy dish, but the Instant Pot is one of the healthiest because there is no butter or oil.
Some servings of salmon are 3-4 ounces each to keep me satisfied, but I recommend 5-6 ounces per person (or up to 8 ounces if you’re a big eater or want leftovers). Recommended. One pound of salmon is enough for two people.
For Instant Pot salmon, use salmon fillets with skin on. Smell testing is important when purchasing fresh salmon. Salmon should smell fresh and not fishy. If you don’t have access to fresh salmon, frozen salmon can help. The Instant Pot is a great way to utilize frozen salmon as it doesn’t need to be thawed first.
- 1 cup water
- Four 5 to 6 oz. skinned center-cut salmon fillet, fresh or frozen, 3/4 to 1 inch thick*.No need to thaw if frozen
- 1/2 tea spoon kosher salt
- 1/8 tea spoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 tea spoon Dried herbs of choice: dill weed, Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme (optional)
- Four sliced lemon option
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Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot (if using an 8-quart pot, add 1 1/2 cups of water). Place the trivet on top, with the “feet” touching the bottom, the handle facing up, and placed on the side of the pot.
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Pat both sides of the salmon fillet dry. Arrange them in a single layer on the trivet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs (if using). Place 1 lemon slice on top of each fillet (if using).
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Seal the Instant Pot. Cook on manual (high) pressure for 1 minute (fresh fillets) or 4 minutes (frozen). Pressure builds up and cooking time begins. When the cooking time is over, immediately degas to release the pressure. Once the pin is down, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
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Check the salmon for doneness. An instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part should record 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the salmon is above 145 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot using a trivet and serve immediately. If the temperature is 135-140, let him sit in the pot without the lid for 5 minutes to warm up before serving. If it’s below 135 degrees Fahrenheit, replace the Instant Pot, let the salmon sit for a few more minutes, and continue cooking in the hot pan.
- *For smaller salmon fillets, set the Instant Pot cook time to 0 minutes. For larger pieces, add 1-3 minutes of cooking time.
- store: Store leftover Instant Pot Salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- reheat: Lightly reheat the salmon in a frying pan over medium-low heat.
Serving: 15 ounce filletcalorie: 242kcalcarbohydrates: 0.1gprotein: 34gobesity: 11gsaturated fat: 2gPolyunsaturated fat: FourgMonounsaturated fat: Fourgcholesterol: 94mgpotassium: 835mgfiber: 0.1gsugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 0.003mgcalcium: twenty fivemgiron: 1mg
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