If you’ve ever wondered how to get tender, flavorful salmon on the table fast, the Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe wraps fresh herbs and luscious butter around salmon fillets, then fast-tracks them to perfection using an Instant Pot. It’s juicy, aromatic, and melts in your mouth, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without any fuss or long waits. Plus, it works beautifully whether your salmon is fresh or frozen, so there’s no excuse not to enjoy this culinary gem.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to unlocking big flavor without complicated prep. Each element plays a key role, from the rich butter that keeps the salmon moist to the fragrant herbs that elevate every bite.
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece): The star of the dish, rich in omega-3s and perfect for quick, healthy meals.
- ¾ cup water: Creates the steam environment inside the Instant Pot to cook the salmon gently and evenly.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps carry the herbal notes beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a robust background flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Lends an earthy, slightly peppery taste to brighten the salmon.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Thyme brings a subtle, woodsy aroma that complements the buttery fish.
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill): Dill adds a fresh, slightly tangy note that sings with seafood.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to add gentle heat and depth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors of salmon and herbs.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): A bright finish that cuts through the richness and enlivens every bite.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by pouring ¾ cup of water into the Instant Pot and placing the steam rack inside. A light spray of cooking oil on the rack prevents sticking and ensures an easy cleanup. This setup creates the perfect steam environment to cook your salmon gently and keep it incredibly moist.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place your salmon on the prepared rack. Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and dill evenly over the flesh. Then cut the butter into small pieces and spread them across the top. This butter-herb topping infuses the fish as it cooks, creating a rich and aromatic finish.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Salmon
Close the Instant Pot lid, lock it, and set the valve to sealing. Choose manual pressure cook and set it for 5 to 6 minutes if your salmon is frozen, or 3 to 4 minutes for fresh salmon. This short cooking time seals in moisture while perfectly cooking the fish through.
Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve
When cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully remove the salmon from the pot using tongs or a spatula to keep it intact. Serve hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon if you like, and enjoy the beautiful blend of buttery, herby flavors.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lemon wedges or chopped herbs add color and brightness to the plate. A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or thyme just before serving brings that garden-fresh aroma right to your table, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with a light vegetable medley, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a vibrant quinoa salad. Steamed asparagus or garlicky green beans are perfect to echo the herbal theme and keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the salmon on a bed of lemon-zested rice or atop a spread of roasted root vegetables. Adding a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of garlicky crème fraîche makes for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Storing it properly helps maintain the delicate flavors and moist texture so you can enjoy it again without compromise.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the flesh tender and flaky.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your salmon is gently in a low oven or in the Instant Pot’s steam function to avoid drying it out. Microwaving on a low power setting also works when you’re in a hurry, just watch it closely to preserve that buttery texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon directly in this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great perks of this recipe is that it works straight from frozen. Just increase the cooking time to 5–6 minutes, and your salmon will come out perfectly cooked and tender every time.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs—can I use dried instead?
Yes, dried herbs can be substituted; just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. They still impart great flavor, so you won’t miss out on the herbal notes that make this dish special.
Is it possible to cook other types of fish using this method?
Definitely! This technique works well for similar thickness fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Adjust cooking times slightly according to the thickness and type, but the butter-herb combo is a winner with many varieties.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the rack?
Lightly spraying the steam rack with cooking oil before placing the salmon helps prevent sticking. Also, spreading butter over the surface of the fish creates a natural barrier that keeps it moist and easy to remove.
Can I add vegetables to cook alongside the salmon in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but timing is key. Quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can be added on top of the salmon in the last few minutes of pressure cooking. Hardier vegetables should be steamed separately to avoid overcooking the fish.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe is a stellar example of how simple ingredients and smart cooking methods come together to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a fresh, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again.
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy salmon infused with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lb salmon (fresh or frozen, fillets or whole piece)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Liquid and Butter
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter
Herbs and Flavorings
- 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)
Optional for Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 the salmon from sticking.
- Season the Salmon:
Place the salmon on the rack. Season the salmon evenly with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme leaves, and dill. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute evenly over the top of the salmon to ensure it melts into the fish during cooking.
- Cook the Salmon:
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and lock it. Set the valve to sealing position. Pressure cook on manual high for 5 to 6 minutes if using frozen salmon, or 3 to 4 minutes if using fresh salmon.
- Release Pressure:
When the cooking time ends, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting. Wait until the float valve drops, then open the lid carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Serve:
Carefully remove the salmon from the rack using a spatula. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges to enhance brightness. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon when possible for best flavor and texture, but this recipe works well with frozen salmon too.
- Adjust herbs according to your preference or availability; fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs are fine substitutes.
- Ensure the salmon is evenly coated with butter and herbs for maximum flavor infusion.
- To avoid overcooking, strictly follow the recommended pressure cook times depending on salmon freshness.
- Quick release is essential to prevent overcooking the delicate fish.
- Leftover salmon can be used cold in salads or reheated gently to avoid drying out.
