Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe – Quick, Healthy, and Delicious!

 Looking for a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen? Meet your new favorite meal—Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon. This dish combines the buttery richness of salmon with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and the aromatic kick of garlic. The result? A restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in minutes, thanks to your trusty Instant Pot!

Cooking salmon in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture and flavors, making your salmon tender, flaky, and absolutely delicious every single time. Plus, it’s faster than traditional cooking methods and keeps cleanup to a minimum. Who doesn’t love that?

Why Salmon Deserves a Spot in Your Diet

Not only is salmon incredibly tasty, but it’s also a superfood packed with nutrients. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it promotes heart and brain health. It’s also an excellent source of protein, vitamins B12 and D, and selenium—essential nutrients that keep your immune system and metabolism humming along. With the Instant Pot, you’ll get all the benefits of salmon without the fuss.

Lemon and Garlic—A Match Made in Culinary Heaven

Lemon and garlic are the dynamic duo your salmon never knew it needed. Lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the fish, while garlic brings depth and warmth to every bite. The balance of tangy citrus and aromatic garlic elevates this dish into something truly special.

Now, let's get cooking!

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this simple yet elegant dish:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skinless or with skin)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced, plus 1 extra for juicing
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon and Seasoning
   Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika, if using.

2. Sauté Garlic in the Instant Pot
   Turn the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and add olive oil or melted butter. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.

3. Deglaze with Broth and Lemon Juice
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—this adds flavor!

4. Arrange the Salmon
   Gently place the salmon fillets on the trivet or a steamer basket that fits inside your Instant Pot. If you don't have one, you can rest the salmon directly in the broth mixture. Top the fillets with lemon slices.

5. Pressure Cook
   Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure. Remember, it’ll take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure before the cooking begins.

6. Quick Release and Check Salmon
   Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to “Venting.” Open the lid and check that the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If it’s not quite done, you can close the lid and leave it on the “Keep Warm” setting for an extra minute or two.

7. Serve and Enjoy
   Carefully remove the salmon from the Instant Pot—it's delicate, so use a spatula. Spoon some of the lemon-garlic broth over the fillets for extra flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:

• Steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a light, healthy meal.
• Rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Mashed potatoes or a hearty salad for an elevated dinner option.

Tips and Variations

1. Switch Up the Flavors
   Swap the lemon for orange slices for a sweeter citrus twist, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

2. Go Herby
   Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.

3. Substitutions
   If you’re out of broth, water with a splash of white wine works just as well. Don’t eat fish? This recipe works wonderfully with chicken breasts—just adjust the cooking time to 8–10 minutes.

4. Meal Prep Made Easy
   Cook extra salmon and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s delicious cold on a salad or reheated with some sautéed veggies.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon is a weeknight saver that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. It’s quick, easy, and versatile—perfect for impressing dinner guests or feeding the family. Take a few minutes, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. You’ll see just how simple and rewarding it is to create a healthy, gourmet-level meal right in your kitchen!