Instant Pot Frozen Salmon Recipe

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Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold water
• cup lemon juice
• Cooking spray
• 2 frozen salmon fillets
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Pour cold water and lemon juice into a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot). Place a steamer rack inside and coat it with cooking spray.
3. Place frozen salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the prepared rack. Close the vent and cover the cooker.
4. Set the cooker to the Steam setting. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Release the pressure using the quick-release method, following the manufacturers instructions. This should take about 5 minutes.
6. Carefully unlock and remove the lid. Check the salmon for desired doneness. If necessary, cook for an additional minute or two.
7. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Cover the pot to keep the fish warm until ready to serve.

Recipe Tips

• You can add optional toppings such as pesto sauce, butter, seasoned salt, or sweet barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor of the salmon fillets.
• If your fillets are thicker than 1 inch, increase the cook time by 1 to 3 more minutes for best results.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	172
Total Fat	7g (9% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	1g (7% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	51mg (17% Daily Value)
Sodium	131mg (6% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	3g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	0g (0% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	25g (49% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	15mg (17% Daily Value)
Calcium	47mg (4% Daily Value)
Iron	1mg (3% Daily Value)
Potassium	446mg (9% Daily Value)

This Instant Pot recipe transforms frozen salmon fillets into a tender, flaky meal in less than 10 minutes. Its an easy, quick dinner option for busy weeknights, offering a simple yet flavorful dish with minimal ingredients.

Origin and History

Salmon has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, especially in coastal regions like Scandinavia, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Russia. Historically, salmon was preserved through smoking, salting, and canning due to its availability and long shelf life. The Instant Pot is a modern invention, a multi-functional pressure cooker that quickly cooks food under high pressure, revolutionizing home cooking with faster meal preparation. The idea of cooking frozen fish directly in a pressure cooker, such as the Instant Pot, is a product of the growing demand for quick and easy meals, especially among those with busy schedules.

Regional Variations and Features

Salmon is commonly found in the waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and each region has developed unique ways of preparing it. In Scandinavia, salmon is often served as gravlax or smoked, while in the Pacific Northwest, it's usually grilled or baked. The Instant Pot recipe offers a simple American take on preparing salmon, emphasizing convenience without compromising on taste. The flavor of salmon, naturally rich and fatty, can be enhanced with local herbs, citrus, and spices, but this recipe keeps it basic, with salt and pepper as the primary seasonings.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This recipe stands out due to its convenience. Unlike traditional methods that require defrosting or marinating the fish, the Instant Pot allows you to cook salmon directly from frozen. This significantly reduces preparation time, making it perfect for last-minute dinners. The pressure cooking method ensures the salmon remains moist and tender, unlike baking or pan-frying, which can sometimes result in dry fish if overcooked. While other methods may require longer cooking times, this recipe cooks salmon in just 3-5 minutes, which is one of the key reasons why it's so popular among busy home cooks.

Where This Dish Is Typically Served

Instant Pot frozen salmon is commonly served as a quick and healthy dinner option in American households. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa. It is also a popular choice for meal prep, as its easy to make in bulk and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. While not traditionally a restaurant dish, many home chefs have adopted the recipe as a convenient, no-fuss way to prepare salmon, often using it as a go-to weeknight meal for families or guests.

Interesting Facts

• Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
• The Instant Pot was created by Robert Wang, who was inspired by the desire to combine multiple cooking devices into one, offering both convenience and efficiency.
• Salmon is often considered a superfood due to its high protein content, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits.
• Frozen fish, like the salmon used in this recipe, often maintains its nutritional value as well as fresh fish because it is frozen shortly after being caught, locking in the freshness.
• While the Instant Pot is a modern kitchen tool, pressure cooking itself dates back to the 17th century, when the first pressure cookers were invented to speed up cooking times for stews and broths.

FAQ about Instant Pot Frozen Salmon Recipe

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