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Tender Instant Pot Salmon Recipe Perfectly Flaky Every Time

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A quick and fuss-free Instant Pot salmon recipe that yields tender, juicy, and perfectly flaky salmon every time. Ideal for busy weeknights and adaptable to various flavor twists.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless, fresh or frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill or fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Brush or spoon the mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet. Let them sit while you set up the Instant Pot.
  4. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Place the steaming rack or trivet inside.
  5. Carefully place the salmon fillets on the rack, skin side down if they have skin. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking.
  6. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure. Cook fresh salmon for 3 minutes; frozen salmon for 5 minutes.
  7. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  8. Open the lid carefully. Check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist and tender. If underdone, reseal and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  9. Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley over the top and add an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

Notes

For frozen salmon, increase cooking time to 5 minutes. Use natural pressure release to avoid toughening the fish. Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot; cook in batches if needed. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat or a pat of butter for richness. Fresh herbs added after cooking brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot salmon, tender salmon, flaky salmon, quick salmon recipe, pressure cooker fish, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/tender-instant-pot-salmon-recipe-perfectly-flaky-every-time/