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This Instant Pot Sesame Salmon is a healthy easy dinner that cooks in less than 15 minutes! This recipe includes an option to bake the salmon in the oven if you don’t have a pressure cooker.
If you’re looking for a way to cook salmon quickly in the Instant Pot, then this recipe is for you. Combine a few basic ingredients for the sesame sauce and add to the pressure cooker with the salmon. There is no need to marinate the fish when you use the Instant Pot. It takes less than 5 minutes to cook!
Salmon is always a great choice for dinner. It cooks quickly and easily. It’s rich in Omega 3’s and is a great choice for protein. You can serve it with a simple side of rice and fresh vegetables to create a complete meal.
Ingredients You Need
- Salmon Filets: Fresh works best, but you can also use frozen salmon directly from the freezer. If using frozen, increase the cook time by 2 minutes.
- Liquids: Water, soy sauce and lime juice create the base of the marinade. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, if needed.
- Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, sriracha and sesame seeds add texture and flavor.
- Sweetener: Use honey or brown sugar. You can also substitute with maple syrup or agave.
- Cooking Oil: Sesame oil help create the sesame flavor.
- For serving: Snow or snap peas and cooked rice. These are optional but are good additions for serving with the salmon.
Equipment Needed
You will need a standard 6 quart pressure cooker or Instant Pot. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook in the oven or stove. Alternative cooking instructions are below.
The Instant pot is a great way to cook salmon because the texture of the cooked salmon is perfect. When you add the sauce directly to the pot, it enhances the flavor of the salmon because it’s steamed directly with the fish.
Cooking Salmon in the Instant Pot
Cooking salmon in a pressure cooker is a great way to cook it fast. This recipe makes sesame salmon that comes together in a few easy steps.
- Whisk together all of the ingredients (except the Salmon) in the Instant pot.
- Add the salmon to the pot skin side down and make sure it is covered on all sides with the sauce. You can place the salmon directly into the sauce. If you prefer to add a trivet, you can do that but the salmon might not be as flavorful since it doesn’t cook directly in the sauce.
- Pressure cook for 1 minute and then carefully release the pressure manually.
- To cook the peas, turn the Instant Pot to Saute. Add the peas to the pot and cook with the sauce, stirring occasionally until the sauce has reduced and thickened – about 2 minutes.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can easily cook this recipe in the oven or on the stove.
First, place the salmon and the sauce in a large zipped top bag or bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator, turning the bag occasionally.
To bake, place the salmon in a baking dish and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
To cook the salmon in a skillet on the stove, after marinating, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet (cast iron skillet is preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the salmon flesh side down and cook for 3 minutes. Use a metal spatula to flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
This instant pot sesame salmon is an easy dinner recipe any day of the week. Serve it with a side of brown rice or some grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli and cauliflower. A simple garden salad or mango salad is also a great choice.
After you try salmon in the instant pot, it will quickly become a staple for dinner. Try it and let me know what you think!
Other Instant Pot Dinner Recipes
- Tortellini Soup
- Pasta with Whipped Ricotta
- Mac and Cheese
- Chicken Stew
- Chicken and Rice
- Beef Stew
- Pad Thai
Instant Pot Sesame Salmon
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce , or tamari
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or honey
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
- 2 center cut salmon filets
- 1 cup snow or snap peas, optional
Instructions
- Whisk together all of the ingredients (except the Salmon) in the Instant Pot. Add the salmon skin side down and make sure it gets covered on all sides with the sauce. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure-Cook for 1 minute.
- When the Instant Pot has finished, release the pressure manually (be careful, it will steam). Remove the salmon and turn the Instant Pot to Saute. Add the peas and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced and thickened– about 2 minutes.
- Spoon the sauce over the salmon and enjoy immediately.
- Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Notes
- Salmon Filets: Fresh works best, but you can also use frozen salmon directly from the freezer. If using frozen, increase the cook time by 2 minutes.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, if needed.
- Sweetener: Use honey or brown sugar. You can also substitute with maple syrup or agave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks for the instant pot instructions that are easy to understand!
The salmon turned out flakey and delicious! I love this!
I’ve been looking for new ways to use my Instant pot and my husband loves salmon so this was perfect! Thanks for the easy recipe!