Instant Pot Sesame Salmon

Name: Instant Pot Sesame Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
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)

By Ashley C.

5 from 5 votes

Mar 05, 2021, Updated Mar 16, 2021

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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.

a slice of salmon sitting in a black plate with rice and lime wedges

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
Equipment Needed
Cooking Salmon in the Instant Pot
Other Instant Pot Dinner Recipes
Instant Pot Sesame Salmon Recipe

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 sesame salmon in the instant pot

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.

a slice of cooked sesame salmon on a plate with rice

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

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