Name: Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup water; Lemon wedges for serving; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts fast, fresh, and elegant, let me introduce you to the wonder that is Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon. This recipe is my reliable secret for a flawless weeknight dinner or a quick impressive meal when guests swing by. The combination of rich butter, fragrant dried herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon all comes together with barely any effort thanks to the magical Instant Pot. Plus, it’s nutritious, low-carb, and absolutely irresistible served straight from the pot, with a burst of lemon and a scattering of fresh herbs on top.

Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few classic pantry staples and some good salmon—each ingredient shines here, mingling together to make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon deeply flavorful and gorgeously moist. Here’s why you can’t skip a single one:

Salmon Fillets: Wild or farmed, fresh or frozen, these are the star—choose skinless or skin-on as you prefer for a juicy, tender bite.
Unsalted Butter: Adds silky richness that melts into the salmon and the herbs, creating a luscious sauce right in the pot.
Garlic Powder: Lends subtle, earthy warmth without overwhelming the fish.
Onion Powder: Brings gentle sweetness and savory depth to balance the herbs.
Dried Thyme: A touch goes a long way, giving a woodsy, classic flavor that feels completely comforting.
Dried Parsley: Adds color and a light, grassy herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
Dried Dill: That pop of freshness is the perfect partner for salmon.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essentials for rounding out and enhancing every flavor—don’t skimp!
Water: Just enough to create the right amount of steam for tender, perfectly cooked fish.
Lemon Wedges: For serving, a squeeze just before eating wakes up every bite and adds a sunny finish.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Chopped parsley, dill, or thyme sprinkled on top add a pop of color and lively aroma.

How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this might seem like a simple step, but it makes a world of difference in getting that seasoning to stick! Sprinkle both sides of each fillet evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried dill. Drizzle or brush the melted butter generously over the tops of the fillets, letting it drip into every nook and cranny for the most flavor-packed fish possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This is what creates the wonderful steamy environment needed for gently cooking our salmon. Now, place the metal trivet inside the pot; it ensures the salmon cooks above the water instead of poaching directly—hello, perfect texture!

Step 3: Arrange and Cook

Lay your seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer on the trivet inside the pot. If you want to infuse a little citrusy zing, you can lay thin lemon slices right on top of each fillet before sealing the pot. Secure the lid, set your valve to the sealing position, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for just 3 minutes. Yes, really—the pressure does all the hard work for you, locking in flavor and moisture!

Step 4: Release and Rest

When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes (this keeps the fish ultra-tender) before carefully quick-releasing any remaining pressure. Once safe to open, use tongs to gently transfer those melt-in-your-mouth salmon fillets to a plate—they’re delicate, so handle with care!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Squeeze plenty of lemon juice over the top of your hot Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs if you like. This is the magical moment when everything comes together—the aroma is going to make your kitchen feel like a cozy bistro!

How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way here—a scatter of fresh parsley or dill, a twist of black pepper, or extra lemon wedges make every plate look and taste like restaurant-quality. The fresh flavors give a bright, happy contrast to the rich, buttery salmon.

Side Dishes

This incredible salmon pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed cauliflower, or steamed new potatoes. For something even lighter, serve it alongside crisp asparagus or a simple green salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil to echo the citrus in the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon loves a little creativity! Flake leftovers over a grain bowl with roasted veggies, tuck a fillet into warm pita bread with greens for an easy handheld lunch, or break it into big pieces over pasta tossed with olive oil and capers. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon, cool the fillets completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days—ideal for snacking or remaking into quick meals!

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each completely cooled salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they’ll keep their quality for 2 to 3 months, making future dinners a breeze.

Reheating

To gently bring your salmon back to life, reheat covered in a low oven (275 to 300°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until just heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but go in short bursts with a splash of water or lemon to keep things moist. No matter which way you go, Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon stays tender if you’re gentle with heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon?

Absolutely! If you’re starting with frozen fillets, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time. The Instant Pot handles frozen fish beautifully, making this dish wonderfully convenient even if you forgot to thaw.

How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the trivet?

For extra confidence, you can brush the trivet lightly with oil or place a piece of parchment paper underneath the fillets. This helps lift them out easily and keeps the skin from sticking or tearing.

What herbs work best if I want to use fresh instead of dried?

Fresh dill, parsley, thyme, or even a little basil are all lovely choices. Just triple the amount compared to dried, and add them right before serving for the brightest flavor.

Is Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon suitable for special diets?

Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and pescatarian. If you’d like, swap the butter for ghee or olive oil to make it dairy-free as well.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

You sure can—just make sure the salmon fillets fit in a single layer (slightly overlapping is fine) on the Instant Pot trivet. The cooking time remains the same, so you can serve up a double batch with no hassle at all.

Final Thoughts

Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon is the ultimate answer for those busy nights when you want something fast but never boring. Give this a try, and you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation—it’s simple, impressive, and truly satisfying, every single time.

Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and succulent Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon that’s ready in a flash. This dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal, infused with a blend of savory herbs and buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional:

1/2 cup water
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, and dill. Brush with melted butter.
Cook in Instant Pot: Add water to the Instant Pot, place the trivet inside, and arrange salmon on top. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
Release Pressure: Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Remove salmon carefully.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For added flavor, place lemon slices on top of each fillet before cooking.
This recipe is suitable for both fresh and frozen salmon; adjust cooking time for frozen fillets.
Pair with rice, steamed veggies, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American