If you’ve been searching for a simple yet impressive seafood dinner, look no further than this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe. It perfectly marries tender, flaky salmon with a rich, buttery herb blend, all cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot to lock in flavor and moisture. Whether you are short on time or just want a fuss-free meal that feels special, this recipe hits every note with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon that brighten each bite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests. Once you try this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe, it will become your go-to for an uplifting, healthful dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to build a dish packed with flavor and comfort. Each item plays a vital role, from the fresh herbs that infuse the salmon with an earthy aroma to the butter that delivers a velvety richness without weighing it down.
- 1 ½ lb salmon: Choose fresh or frozen fillets, skin on or off, for flexibility and ease.
- ¾ cup water: Essential for generating steam in the Instant Pot to gently cook the salmon.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious creaminess and carries the herb flavors beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory base that complements seafood wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, slightly bitter earthiness that enhances the herb mix.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves: Or dried thyme as a substitute, lends a subtle lemony note and depth.
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Dill brightens the salmon with its fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat that balances the herbs and butter.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Brings out all the flavors perfectly without overwhelming.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze on top just before eating introduces a refreshing citrus pop.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by pouring the water into the Instant Pot and placing the steam rack inside. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil to prevent sticking. This setup creates the moist environment necessary for perfectly steamed salmon, preserving every ounce of flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place your salmon on the rack, and generously season it with salt, black pepper, garlic, and the delightful combination of herbs. Then, cut the butter into small pieces and scatter it evenly over the top of the fish. This butter herb coating ensures each bite is infused with rich, savory layers.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Close the Instant Pot lid, lock it securely, and set the valve to sealing. If your salmon is frozen, pressure cook manually for 5 to 6 minutes; for fresh salmon, 3 to 4 minutes will do. The high-pressure steam works wonders to cook the salmon uniformly without drying it out.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking cycle completes, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. This step prevents continued cooking and keeps the salmon tender and flaky just as you want it.
Step 5: Serve the Salmon
Gently lift the salmon from the pot and serve it immediately, ideally with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the richness. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them within a few hours to keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a vibrant green pop that complements the buttery herbs. Lemon wedges are a classic touch, their zesty brightness balancing the richness of the salmon and butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a fresh mixed greens salad. Each side adds texture and freshness to your plate, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice to soak up the herb-infused butter juices. Alternatively, flake the salmon over avocado toast or turn it into a luxurious salmon salad with crisp veggies for a light lunch or sophisticated brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the salmon longer, freezing is an option. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to one month, though best quality is enjoyed when eaten sooner.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low-temperature oven or wrapped in foil to prevent drying, or briefly steam it to preserve moisture. Avoid microwaving directly to keep that tender texture intact and prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and you’ll get perfectly cooked salmon straight from the freezer without thawing.
Do I need to add oil or butter to the Instant Pot base?
No oil or butter is needed in the bottom of the Instant Pot—just water. The butter goes directly on the salmon to provide flavor and moisture during cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs work just as well in this recipe. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to keep the flavors balanced without overpowering the salmon.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can. Just ensure the salmon fillets fit comfortably on the steam rack without overlapping too much, and you may need to increase cooking time by a minute or two for thicker or larger portions.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still look moist and slightly translucent in the center. The timed pressure cooking takes the guesswork out, delivering a consistent, tender result every time.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is a total game-changer—quick, flavorful, and healthy. It’s a delicious crowd-pleaser that makes cooking salmon approachable and fuss-free. Trust me, once it’s on your table, you’ll want to make it again and again for those cozy weekday dinners or whenever you crave something both nourishing and special.
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
Description
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon recipe offers a quick and delicious way to prepare tender, flavorful salmon using the Instant Pot. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, this method steams the salmon gently to preserve its moisture and taste, making it an ideal healthy weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon and Liquid
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece)
- ¾ cup water
Herb Butter Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 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
Optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
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 Salmon: Place the salmon on the rack. Evenly season it with the sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and dill. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the salmon surface.
- Pressure Cook: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on manual/high pressure for 5 to 6 minutes if the salmon is frozen, or 3 to 4 minutes if it is fresh.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting to release all the steam safely.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the pot. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- If using frozen salmon, adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- Herb quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference or availability.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure proper sealing of the Instant Pot lid to build pressure effectively.
- Lemon wedges add a bright contrast but are optional.
