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
Scale
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.
