Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
If you are craving a meal that’s both effortless and delicious, this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorite go-to dishes. It combines tender, flaky salmon infused with fragrant herbs and rich butter, all cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot in just minutes. Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful dinner, this recipe delivers flavorful results with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic herbs to the creamy butter, these elements come together to make your salmon deliciously rich and perfectly seasoned.
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece): The star of the show, providing tender, juicy protein packed with omega-3s.
- ¾ cup water: Creates the steam environment necessary for pressure cooking the salmon gently.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melts into the fish, adding luxurious richness and helping the herbs bloom.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that brightens the delicate fish.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the butter.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Brings a fresh, slightly floral note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill): Infuses a light, herbaceous quality classic with seafood dishes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to each bite.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the fish.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): Adds a bright citrusy zing that cuts through the butter and herbs perfectly.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot
Start by pouring ¾ cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place the steam rack inside and lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking. This creates the perfect environment to steam the salmon gently, preserving its moisture and texture.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place your salmon directly on the rack and sprinkle it evenly with the sea salt, black pepper, garlic, and all the herbs—oregano, thyme, and dill. Cut the butter into small pieces and spread it all over the salmon; this helps the butter melt evenly and soak into the fish as it cooks.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Salmon
Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and lock it in place. Set the valve to the sealing position. Now pressure cook on manual—a fresh salmon fillet takes about 3 to 4 minutes while frozen salmon needs closer to 5 to 6 minutes. The short cooking time ensures the salmon stays tender and flaky, never overdone.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release carefully to avoid overcooking. The steam will escape instantly, and your salmon will be perfectly steamed, succulent, and bursting with buttery herb flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the salmon from the Instant Pot—it will be delicate but beautifully cooked. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for that extra pop of brightness.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lemon wedges are fantastic for adding a citrus brightness that balances the richness of the butter and herbs. A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley on top adds a pretty green contrast and an herbal punch that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This salmon shines alongside light, fresh sides such as steamed asparagus, a crisp green salad, or fluffy quinoa tossed with lemon zest. Roasted baby potatoes or a creamy risotto also complement the buttery texture, making it a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve your salmon over a bed of herbed couscous or wild rice pilaf, drizzled with a lemon butter sauce. You can also make salmon bowls with fresh greens, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fresh twist. The versatility of the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe means you can dress it up or keep it casual with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any salmon leftover (which can be rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This will keep the flavors intact and the fish moist. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best quality.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain the best flavor and texture for about 1 to 2 months. Label it with the date to keep track!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F) until just heated through. This helps avoid drying it out, preserving that buttery richness. Alternatively, a quick steam or reheating in the microwave with a damp paper towel can also work well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! You just need to increase the cooking time from about 3-4 minutes for fresh salmon to 5-6 minutes for frozen. The Instant Pot works wonders in cooking frozen salmon evenly and quickly.
What if I don’t have all the fresh herbs on hand?
No worries—this recipe works well with dried herbs as a substitute. Just reduce the quantity to one-third of fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will still be deliciously aromatic!
Is it necessary to use butter, or can I substitute olive oil?
Butter is key to the rich, silky texture and the depth of flavor in this recipe, but if you prefer, a good quality olive oil can be used instead. The taste profile changes slightly, but your salmon will still be moist and flavorful.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to feed a crowd, but make sure your Instant Pot has enough space for the salmon to cook evenly. You might need to stack salmon pieces carefully on the rack or cook in batches for best results.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the steam rack?
Spraying the steam rack lightly with cooking oil before placing the salmon is the simplest trick. It creates a non-stick surface and helps the fish lift away effortlessly once cooked.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe enough — it’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and soon it will be one of those recipes you can’t wait to make again and again for family and friends.
Print
Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and moist way to prepare salmon using a pressure cooker. The salmon is seasoned with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, then pressure cooked to perfection in just minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 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)
Cooking Liquid and Garnish
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot with water and rack: 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 rack and season evenly with sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme leaves, and chopped dill. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the top of the salmon.
- Set pressure cooking parameters: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook manually for 5 to 6 minutes if using frozen salmon, or 3 to 4 minutes if fresh salmon.
- Perform quick release: When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a quick release to release the pressure immediately.
- Serve and store leftovers: Gently 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
- You can use either fresh or frozen salmon fillets or a whole piece, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- To prevent salmon from sticking, lightly spray the steam rack with oil before placing the fish.
- For more pronounced herb flavor, use fresh herbs when available.
- Make sure to perform a quick release to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (fresh) to 6 minutes (frozen)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
