Quick, moist, and, and hands-off, here’s my guide on How To Make Salmon in the Instant Pot from both fresh and frozen salmon fillets.
This post was written in partnership with Marine Stewardship Council. Thank you for supporting the brands who help make this blog possible! When shopping for seafood, remember to look for the MSC blue fish label – it is an eco-label that indicates that the seafood product is wild, certified sustainable, and traceable from ocean to plate. More about this down below!
Making Salmon in the Instant Pot
I’m a sucker for salmon – I can eat my weight in salmon sushi or eat it grilled, steamed, baked, or pan fried. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to give it a try in the Instant Pot. I mainly use the Instant Pot for recipes that require a longer cook time so I never really thought about making salmon in the Instant Pot. However, after hearing about how amazing it was, I decided to give it a try for myself!
And guys – my life has been changed. LOL. I know – I sound dramatic but you’re going to want to give this a try too. It takes literally minutes from start to finish to cook salmon in the Instant Pot. You could maybe steep your tea in the same time it takes for your salmon to cook in the Instant Pot. It’s that fast!
Growing up, I wasn’t always a big fan but then again, growing up, I’d only eat beefaroni if given the chance. However, fish was almost always on the menu at home and I was always told to eat it because it was good for me.
Benefits Of Salmon
Other than being delicious without having to put in much effort, here are some benefits of incorporating more salmon into your diet:
- rich in omega-3 fatty acids while being low in saturated fats – omega-3s are an essential fat that you need to consume as your body doesn’t produce it on its own.
- rich in high quality protein
- high in B Vitamins
How To Pick Your Salmon
Fresh Salmon:
- If possible, you should give it a sniff. It shouldn’t smell like anything or fishy in particular.
- Make sure the salmon looks moist, bright (not pale), and doesn’t have any physical abnormality (ie browning, curling, etc)
Frozen Salmon:
- Fresh isn’t always best! Frozen salmon can actually be more “fresh” than fresh salmon as they’re put on ice right away and to preserve its freshness. So give frozen salmon a chance, it’s also more budget friendly and you can buy in bulk to leave in the freezer when on sale. (You could do it for fresh salmon as well but you’ll have to vacuum seal it yourself and isn’t on sale as often)
Fresh & Frozen Salmon
- Be sure to look for MSC certified sustainable seafood as it’s seafood that you can feed gool about!
- Each MSC certified fishery has been independently assessed on its impacts to wild fish populations and the ecosystems that they’re part of to help protect our oceans from being over fished.
- The small step of looking for and purchasing MSC certified sustainable seafood is a direct vote for healthy oceans.
- I purchased my sockeye salmon at Whole Foods as they have a great partnership with MSC but you can easily find MSC certified sustainable seafood in your local grocers and if not, ask for it!
- MSC certified sustainable salmon comes in both fresh and frozen options and at every price point so if you are on a budget, you don’t have to worry about going over to find seafood that you feel good about buying!
What You Need To Make Salmon in the Instant Pot
- herbs of your choice (I used basil)
- lemon
- salmon – fresh or frozen
- salt and pepper
How to Make Salmon in the Instant Pot
- In your Instant Pot, place the basil or herbs of choice and a few slices of lemon. Then add 1 cup of water.
- Add in the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot. Salt and pepper your fillets and place them on top of the trivet. Top with a few slices of lemon.
- And then the easiest part: how long to cook salmon in the Instant Pot? 3 minutes! Yup – put on the lid, set it to sealing, press the manual button, and set it to 3 minutes. Quick release when done.
- For frozen salmon: repeat the same steps but cook the frozen salmon in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes instead of 3.
Salmon FAQs
What’s the white stuff on cooked salmon??
- You may have notice some white stuff on your salmon after cooking. Don’t be alarm! The white stuff is albumin, coagulated protein. It’s just protein that is being pushed out of the muscle fibres when you cook the salmon – it happens to everyone. While you may not be able to get rid of it completely, a quick salt brine could decrease the amount.
What to serve with salmon?
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Risotto
- Bean salad
- Asparagus
- Roasted Potatoes
Can Salmon Be Reheated?
- Yes! While I usually eat leftover salmon flaked and cold in a salad, salmon can definitely be reheated. I recommend reheating it on a low temperature in the oven slowly so you don’t dry it out. However, chilled salmon is definitely my go-to.
Instant Pot Salmon (Fresh or Frozen)
Ingredients
- 1 handful basil, or herbs of your choice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 340 grams salmon fillets, fresh or frozen, be sure to look for the MSC label
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In your Instant Pot, place the basil or herbs of choice and a few slices of lemon. Then add 1 cup of water.
- Add in the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot. Salt and pepper your fillets and place them on top of the trivet. Top with a few slices of lemon.
- And then the easiest part: how long to cook salmon in the Instant Pot? 3 minutes! Yup – put on the lid, set it to sealing, press the manual button, and set it to 3 minutes. Quick release when done.
- For frozen salmon: repeat the same steps but cook the frozen salmon in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes instead of 3.
RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR MEAL PREPPING
- How To Cook Chicken Breasts Perfectly
- What Is An Instant Pot
- Tips To Help You Meal Prep For The Week Successfully
- Tips for Meal Prepping on a Budget
- 7 Freezer Friendly Chicken Marinades
- 5 Freezer Friendly Marinades
- Meal Prep Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mealprepsupport/
OTHER SALMON RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE
- Hummus Crusted Salmon with Panko
- Sweet Chili Salmon Meal Prep
- Hoisin Glazed Salmon Meal Prep
- Tzatziki Crusted Salmon with Panko
- Honey Garlic Salmon
Other places to connect with me
Instagram: @carmyshungry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmyycom
Email: [email protected]
Claire says
I wasn’t sure about cooking fish in my IP but when I forgot to defrost the salmon for dinner I thought I’d give it a go!
I am converted! It was so quick and easy and the fish was like butter!
THANK YOU
Carmy says
I’m so glad you liked it Claire!! Thank you for leaving a comment and rating :)
Weegrousie says
The salmon was moist, flakey and absolutely delicious. Will make all my fish in the IP from now on!
Carmy says
Woohoo! Glad you enjoyed! :)
Clorissa says
The salmon came out amazing, even the kids are loving it! We did a large peice of fish so we cooked it 6 minutes and added little honey. Thank you for the recipe!! We will be making it again soon.
Carmy says
So happy to hear, Clorissa!