If you’ve been looking for a quick, delicious, and stress-free way to enjoy salmon, let me share with you my absolute favorite: the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe. It’s so simple yet packed with flavor, bringing together tender salmon fillets infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and buttery goodness, all cooked to perfection in just minutes. This recipe transforms ordinary salmon into a perfectly flaky and aromatic dish, whether you’re rushing through weeknight dinner or craving something elegant without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients is half the fun with this recipe because each one plays a crucial role in making your salmon sing. The fresh herbs add bright, fragrant notes, while the butter brings richness and silky texture. Even the simplest seasonings elevate the dish into something truly special.
- 1 ½ lb salmon: Fresh or frozen fillets both work great, just adjust the cooking time slightly if frozen.
- ¾ cup water: Essential for creating steam in the Instant Pot, ensuring gentle, even cooking.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious creaminess that melts over the salmon, locking in moisture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers savory warmth that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A subtle herbaceous touch that complements the fish nicely.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves: Brings an earthy and slightly minty flavor; dried thyme works in a pinch.
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Dill’s fresh tanginess brightens up the butter herb mix beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little kick without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances every flavor and heightens the buttery notes.
- Lemon wedges (optional): For a zesty finishing touch that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by pouring ¾ cup of water into the Instant Pot. This water creates the steam needed to pressure cook the salmon perfectly. Place the steam rack inside the pot and give it a light spray of cooking oil to make sure your salmon doesn’t stick. This simple setup is the foundation for effortless, tender fish.
Step 2: Season and Butter the Salmon
Place your salmon on the prepared steam rack. Season it generously with the sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the dried oregano, fresh thyme, and chopped dill right over the top for that unforgettable herbaceous aroma. Next, cut the butter into small pieces and dot it evenly across the salmon fillets. This little trick ensures every bite is rich and silky.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it securely. Set the valve to sealing, then pressure cook on manual mode for 3 to 4 minutes if using fresh salmon, or 5 to 6 minutes for frozen. The pressure and steam work together to cook the fish gently, sealing in all those buttery herb flavors while keeping the salmon incredibly moist.
Step 4: Quick Release and Serve
The moment the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release to let out the steam safely. Carefully remove the salmon from the Instant Pot—use a spatula to keep the fillets intact. Your salmon should be flaky, aromatic, and bursting with buttery herbs, ready to enjoy right away or with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedges for that extra zing.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe to restaurant level. Fresh lemon wedges add a bright citrus pop that perfectly balances the richness of the butter. You can also sprinkle a little extra chopped dill or thyme to highlight the herbal flavors visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with almost anything green and fresh. Consider a crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the brightness, or roasted asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil. For a comforting touch, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa give a wonderful texture contrast to the tender fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the salmon over a bed of cauliflower rice mixed with herbs, or atop warm butter-glazed noodles to soak up every drop of the herb-infused butter. For a casual twist, flake the salmon and build vibrant salmon tacos with avocado and slaw—your Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe suddenly becomes a fun and versatile star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish it all!), store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days without losing its flavor or moisture, making it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed, your Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw it gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or on the stovetop using a covered skillet to keep the salmon moist. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain that luscious buttery texture and delicate flakiness. A light splash of water or extra butter when reheating can help refresh the dish perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon in this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase the pressure cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes instead of 3 to 4 to ensure it cooks through evenly without drying out. The Instant Pot handles frozen salmon wonderfully well.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
No worries at all. You can substitute with dried herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount called for in fresh. The flavor will still shine in this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
The butter really is key for the rich mouthfeel and flavor that defines this recipe. However, if you want to avoid butter, olive oil can be a substitute—though the texture and taste will be a bit different and less creamy.
Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Yes! The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Consider adding a splash of smoked paprika for warmth, or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a touch of heat. Just be mindful to keep the balance so the herbs and butter can still shine.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The Instant Pot times are spot on for tender, flaky salmon. When done, the fish should easily flake with a fork and have an opaque, pinkish hue. Overcooking can dry it out, so sticking to the recommended times is best for this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves salmon but wants to avoid long cooking or complicated steps. It’s fast, flavorful, and always delivers that melt-in-your-mouth experience. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and impressive as I do—once you do, it might just become your go-to salmon recipe too.
Print
Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, moist salmon infused with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses the Instant Pot to gently steam the salmon, preserving its delicate texture and enhancing its natural flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish that can be served with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece)
Liquid & Fat
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Pour ¾ cup water into the Instant Pot and place the steam rack inside. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon on the prepared rack. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and the oregano, thyme, and dill. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute evenly over the salmon to create a rich, flavorful crust as it cooks.
- Set Cooking Parameters: Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it securely. Set the valve to the sealing position. Pressure cook on manual mode for 5 to 6 minutes if using frozen salmon, or 3 to 4 minutes if fresh, ensuring perfectly cooked salmon every time.
- Release Pressure: When cooking finishes, perform a quick pressure release carefully by switching the valve to venting.
- Serve and Store: Carefully remove the salmon from the Instant Pot. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Adjust cooking time depending on thickness of salmon and whether it’s fresh or frozen.
- Butter adds richness but can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter dish.
- Be cautious when releasing pressure to avoid steam burns.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
