If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful, and utterly comforting seafood dish, the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This recipe brings together the rich creaminess of butter and the bright freshness of herbs, all infused into tender, flaky salmon cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot. It’s incredibly simple yet impressive enough to serve any night of the week, delivering restaurant-quality taste without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked salmon any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its beautiful balance of simple, staple ingredients that each add their own special touch to the dish. Every ingredient plays a vital role in layering flavor, ensuring the salmon comes out tender, buttery, and bursting with herbal aroma.
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece): The star of the show, packed with omega-3s and perfect for quick cooking.
- ¾ cup water: Essential for creating the steam needed in the Instant Pot to cook the salmon gently.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds rich creaminess that melts into the fish, keeping it moist and sumptuous.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth that elevates the whole dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A warm, slightly bitter herb that complements the butter beautifully.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Offers a subtle earthy aroma and freshness.
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill): Perfect for a bright, clean herbal note common in seafood dishes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Highlights the natural flavors of the salmon and herbs.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): A citrusy finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by pouring the ¾ cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot to create the necessary steam. Then, place the steam rack inside and lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent the salmon from sticking. This prep sets the stage for perfectly steamed salmon.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Lay your salmon fillets or whole piece on the rack. Season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and the minced garlic for an earthy, aromatic foundation. Sprinkle the dried oregano, fresh thyme leaves, and dill on top to infuse each bite with herbal brightness. Scatter the butter cut into small pieces evenly over the salmon, which will melt into the fish while cooking, lending rich buttery goodness.
Step 3: Set and Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure it’s securely locked, and set the valve to sealing. Choose the manual pressure cook setting, cooking the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes if frozen, or 3 to 4 minutes if fresh. This short cook time ensures the salmon retains its delicate flakiness without drying out.
Step 4: Quick Release and Remove
Once the cooking timer completes, perform a quick pressure release to stop the cooking instantly. Carefully open the lid and use tongs or a spatula to gently lift the salmon from the rack. The fish should be beautifully tender, flaky, and swimming in herbaceous butter.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your salmon with optional lemon wedges for a zesty kick, and prepare to savor a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe makes weeknight dinners so much easier and tastier.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra fresh dill, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or lemon wedges turn this dish from everyday to elegant in seconds. Adding a bit of fresh parsley or chives can also add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pairing the salmon with light, vibrant sides like steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad makes a balanced meal. Rice pilaf or quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon zest also complement the buttery flavors and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted baby potatoes glazed with herbs and butter. You can also break the salmon into chunks for a warm salad or toss it into a hearty grain bowl loaded with colorful veggies and a tangy vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover salmon to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, tightly wrap the salmon in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, enabling you to enjoy this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe anytime you want a hassle-free seafood dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Adding a touch of butter or a splash of water while reheating helps preserve the moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great things about the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is that it works perfectly with frozen salmon. Just increase the cooking time to 5-6 minutes on manual pressure cook to ensure the fish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor, dried herbs work wonderfully too and are what I often keep on hand for this recipe. Just adjust the quantities accordingly—usually one-third of the fresh amount for dried herbs.
Can I cook other types of fish in the Instant Pot using this method?
Yes, this method is great for delicate fish like trout or cod. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner fish might need shorter cooking to keep tender and juicy.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can steam salmon on the stove or bake it in the oven with the same butter and herb mixture. The Instant Pot just speeds things up and locks in moisture beautifully.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist and tender. Cooking it under pressure for the recommended time keeps it from overcooking, which is the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that’s as simple as it is sensational. It takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and tenderness every single time. Whether you’re a salmon enthusiast or just starting to explore seafood, this recipe will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to meal for any busy day, family dinner, or when you want to impress without the stress.
