If you’re searching for a meal that’s lightning-fast yet impossibly flavorful, look no further than Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon. This recipe transforms fresh salmon fillets into a tender, flaky masterpiece, infused with ribbons of melted butter, garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs — all in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or planning a vibrant special occasion meal, Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon will absolutely impress your taste buds and save you precious time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon is its simplicity: each ingredient is carefully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and that irresistible finishing touch. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each item truly matters.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, 6-ounce fillets for rich flavor and a perfect, flaky texture every time.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness of the salmon and balances the tangy lemon.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of gentle heat and rounds out the herbal notes without overpowering the fish.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the luxurious base for our herb mixture, keeping the salmon moist and decadent.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with a pop of citrus that perfectly complements the buttery richness.
- Lemon Zest: A small amount of zest packs a huge punch, adding fresh, sunny notes and eye-catching color.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A mix like parsley, thyme, or dill ties everything together and brings earthy fragrance.
- Water: Essential for pressure cooking, ensuring the Instant Pot gently steams the salmon to perfection.
- Lemon Slices & Fresh Herbs (for garnish): These not only make your Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon look restaurant-worthy, but each bite gets an extra hit of freshness.
How to Make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season each side with salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp on this step — it’s your foundation for every delicious flavor that follows. A well-seasoned fillet guarantees the fish really shines with every forkful.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried Italian herbs. This aromatic medley will bathe your salmon in rich, fragrant flavor. Give the mixture a quick taste; if you want an extra lemony zing or more herbs, tweak it now.
Step 3: Set Up Your Instant Pot
Place the trivet into your Instant Pot’s insert and pour in the water. This step is crucial for creating gentle steam that cooks your salmon evenly without drying it out — the magic behind Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon’s melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush the Salmon
Set your salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the trivet inside the pot. Gently brush each fillet with the butter herb mixture, making sure to cover every surface so the herbs and garlic flavor infuse deeply. Any extra butter mixture can be saved for drizzling just before serving.
Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure and set the timer for 3 minutes (if your fillets are especially thin, 2 minutes will do). Once done, use a quick release. This ultra-fast cook preserves the salmon’s moisture and ensures it’s perfectly flaky, never dry.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Very carefully remove each salmon fillet with a spatula or tongs. Arrange them on a serving platter and finish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Optional but highly encouraged: drizzle more of the melted butter mixture over each piece for an extra touch of decadence.
How to Serve Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! Add thin lemon slices, chopped fresh parsley, dill, or even chives for an eye-catching, flavorful flourish. A final drizzle of the remaining herb butter truly elevates each serving of Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon. The bright citrus and fresh herbs not only taste incredible but make your plate worthy of any dinner party.
Side Dishes
Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon is a dream with fluffy rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a mound of perfectly cooked quinoa. Love your veggies? Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a vibrant spring salad compliment the rich buttery fish beautifully. Think simple ingredients that let the salmon take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, nestle the salmon fillets on a large platter over a bed of herbed rice, lined with lemon wheels and fresh sprigs of dill. Hosting friends? Serve the salmon in individual shallow bowls over warm grains, spooning extra butter herb sauce around the fillets for that restaurant-style presentation. Or make Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon the highlight of a colorful seafood spread, paired with shrimp cocktail, roasted baby potatoes, and a zesty cucumber salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the fillets cool completely before storing. If you’ve reserved extra butter herb sauce, add a small spoonful on top of each piece before sealing — this keeps the fish moist and flavorful during storage.
Freezing
Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon can be frozen for busy nights ahead. Allow the cooked salmon to cool, then wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your salmon in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Or, use a low oven (about 275°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, splashed with a little extra butter or a squeeze of lemon. Reheating gently preserves that tender, moist texture that makes Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon?
Absolutely! Just add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time, depending on the thickness. There’s no need to thaw them first — the Instant Pot works wonders with frozen fillets. The same herbs and butter mixture infuses as the salmon cooks, for perfect results every time.
What are the best herbs for this recipe?
Italian herb mixes work wonderfully, but feel free to customize: parsley, dill, thyme, tarragon, or basil all shine. Use what you love or what you have on hand. Fresh herbs make a lovely garnish, while dried herbs help infuse the butter for that signature flavor.
Does the skin need to be removed from the salmon?
Not at all! Cooking the salmon skin-side down helps keep the filets intact and adds lovely richness. After cooking, the skin easily peels away if you prefer not to eat it. For crispy skin, you can briefly sear the cooked fillets skin-side down in a hot pan with a touch of oil.
Is Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon keto-friendly and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe naturally fits both keto and gluten-free diets. It’s high in protein and healthy fats, with virtually no carbs. Just double-check that your dried herb mix and any side dishes you pair are also gluten-free.
How do I keep the salmon from overcooking in the Instant Pot?
Precise timing is key! Set your Instant Pot for just 2-3 minutes on high pressure, depending on fillet thickness, and perform a quick release. If your salmon is especially thin, stick to the lower end. This ensures Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon is always luscious and moist, never dry.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon enough — it’s honestly one of those failsafe, flavor-packed recipes you’ll turn to again and again. The combination of buttery herbs, lemony brightness, and perfectly flaky salmon makes it a winner for both weeknight suppers and special gatherings. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!
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Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender salmon fillets infused with garlic, lemon, and Italian herbs. With just a few minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a delicious seafood dish ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Butter Herb Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of parsley, thyme, dill)
Others:
- 1 cup water
- lemon slices and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Season Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Butter Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian herbs.
- Prep Instant Pot: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in water.
- Cook Salmon: Arrange salmon fillets on the trivet, skin-side down, and brush generously with the butter mixture. Lock lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes (2 minutes for thinner fillets).
- Release Pressure and Serve: Quick release pressure when done. Carefully remove salmon, garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, spoon some of the melted butter mixture over the salmon just before serving.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
