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Home » Recipes » Dinner » Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon (from frozen!)

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon (from frozen!)

By Taesha Butler January 23, 2018 (Updated July 5, 2021) 42 Comments

Servings3 - 4
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time17 mins
Total Time20 mins
Jump to Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Are you like me and NEVER remember to defrost your fish for dinner? This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon is going to rock your socks then! Wildly easy to throw together, super flavorful and cooked to perfections FROM FROZEN in your handy dandy IP….this going to be your new fast food!

Overhead on the delicious Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon served in a white plate with two lemons on the side

Instant Pot lemon garlic salmon

I always have the best of intentions. In the beginning, it always seems like a really good idea.  

Frozen fish

I buy it at the store for a killer deal. Wild caught and frozen at its peek of freshness. It seems like the perfect thing to keep in the freezer for those nights when I am at a loss what to cook or at the end of the week when the fresh protein supply is looking pretty meager. 

Making Instant Pot lemon garlic salmon with frozen salmon and some green herbs

It always seems like a really good idea….

Until I forget to defrost it. Not once. Not twice. But for weeks at a time. Every time I need that frozen fish the most is the time I completely forget to take it out of the freezer.

Sure, could I put it in a water bath to help speed up the process? Totally, and I have. Except those extra crazy nights that I need that quick and fast meal also tends to be the night when my family (and myself) are clamoring for dinner to be on the table as fast as humanly possible. On those nights when I need it the most, we are NOT in the mood to wait for our frozen fish to enjoy a little spa soak in order to be soft enough to then be cooked.

Life changing cooking hack

I had started bypassing frozen fish all together… until I learned a brilliant and amazing and downright life changing hack that has saved my busy mama behind more than once in recent months…

You can cook fish from frozen in the Instant Pot!

Turning on Instant Pot to cook the most flavorful dish in the world - from frozen salmon

Cooking frozen fish in Instant Pot

Now, I am still kind of new on the Instant Pot scene. It took me a while to give up my loyal slow cooker and embrace pressure cooking. But now that I have, there is no way in heck I can go back. Because, guys…..FROZEN FISH IN THE INSTANT POT….in like, 15 minutes…start to finish!!!!

Its winning all the way around (except for maybe for the fish). Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon is wildly easy to throw together, is super flavorful and cooked to perfections FROM FROZEN in your handy dandy IP!

Guys, this going to be your new fast food!

Other Instant Pot recipes you are going to love…

  • Instant Pot Garlic Herb Pulled Chicken
  • Slow Cooker/ Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
  • Veggie-Loaded Instant Pot Tomato Soup
  • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

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Instant Pot lemon garlic salmon served with vegetables and a metal fork on the side
Overhead on the delicious Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon served in a white plate with two lemons on the side
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon (from frozen!)

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon is going to rock your socks then! Wildly easy to throw together, super flavorful and cooked to perfections FROM FROZEN in your handy dandy IP….this going to be your new fast food!
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time17 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: frozen salmon in instant pot, instant pot salmon recipe, salmon recipe in instant pot
Servings: 3 – 4
Calories: 379kcal
Author: Taesha Butler

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 pounds frozen salmon filets
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup water
  • fresh dill, basil, parsley or a mix a few springs
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste or to taste (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
  • 1/4 or to taste sea salt or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon sliced thinly
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or melted coconut oil

Instructions 

  • Pour water and lemon juice into your Instant Pot. Add fresh herbs to the water/lemon juice mixture and place steamer rack in Instant Pot.
  • Drizzle salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Sprinkle garlic powder over the salmon and place on the salmon in a single layer on the steamer rack in the Instant Pot. *
  • Layer lemon slices on top of the salmon.
  • Place the lid on the Instant Pot, lock in place and turn the valve to sealing.
  • The use the Manual setting to cook on HIGH pressure for 7 minutes.*
  • It will take your Instant Pot about 10 minutes to get up to pressure. 
  • Once the time is up, switch the valve to venting to quick release the pressure.
  • Enjoy warm over a salad, with roasted veggies or any other way that you can dream up!

Notes

* If your salmon pieces are frozen together, run them under water until they are able to be separated. Stacking salmon might make it too thick to cook all the way through.
* If your salmon is thicker than 1 inch, consider adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
* If your salmon is extra thin, consider reducing time by 1 minute
  • If the salmon is still not cooked all the way through once cook time is up (salmon cuts vary in shape and size), replace lid and let it sit in the hot IP for a few extra minutes to steam.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 1182mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!

This post contains affiliate links, though all opinions are my own. When you purchase anything using my links, it costs you absolutely nothing extra, but it does kicks The Natural Nurturer a little financial love to keep doing what we do. Thank you for your continued support, both with your dollars and your interest

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Filed Under: Dinner, Instant Pot, Whole30

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    Comments

  1. Heidi

    March 26, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    This looks great! I would need to make the meal for 2 adults, 2 kids, though. How do I get more than 2 pieces of salmon to fit in my IP? I have the same 6-qt. IP as you.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      April 7, 2018 at 6:40 pm

      You can layer the fish on top of one another and cook for an addition 2 minutes (maybe more if the cut of fish is extra thick)!

      Reply
  2. Daniéle

    April 2, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    I can’t wait to try this! I’ve had forgotten frozen salmon in my freezer for over a month. I can finally cook it!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      April 7, 2018 at 6:34 pm

      Right!? Total game changer!

      Reply
  3. Paula

    June 6, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    I don’t have an instant pot; and probably won’t get one. The meals look good, how can I make these recipes without an I.P. ? Thank you

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      June 11, 2018 at 2:17 am

      Many Instant Pot recipes can be made in a slow cooker or on a stove stop…but how varies from recipe to recipe.

      Reply
  4. Teressa

    July 25, 2018 at 9:16 am

    This is amazing! I often forget to thaw my proteins too and my go to is always frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot but that still takes at least 3 hours. I don’t keep stock of fresh herbs unless I specifically buy them for a recipe. Would this work without the herbs on the bottom or is their a substitution?

    Reply
  5. Grace Montgomery

    September 1, 2018 at 12:50 am

    I am new to Instant Pot. If I want to cook a smaller amount of salmon should I shorten the time?

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      September 7, 2018 at 10:14 pm

      As long as they are not too thick, than you could probably use a smaller amount fish with a 5 minute cook time.

      Reply
  6. Anna

    September 12, 2018 at 3:28 am

    Yummy! My frozen salmon still has scales on – I can just peel off at the end of cooking right??

    Reply
  7. Alexis Harvey

    December 30, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    Have you ever tried the salmon from frozen doing pot in pot? I’d love to be able to cook the salmon and some veggies all at once. Any ideas?

    Reply
  8. Jennifer

    January 5, 2019 at 2:40 pm

    I’m confused. How is the cook time 17 mins but you put it on high pressure for 7 then quick release. Is it 17 mins? (I’m super new to the instant pot) much appreciated bc we love Costco salmon!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      January 8, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      I put 17 minutes because it takes your IP about 10 minutes to get up to pressure.

      Reply
  9. Rebecca Pearce

    January 9, 2019 at 12:56 am

    I followed this recipe and it did not cook the salmon throughout. It was still raw inside.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      January 9, 2019 at 1:08 am

      Hi Rebecca!
      I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t a success! Was the salmon extra thick? Or perhaps did you have two pieces stacked on top of one another? Those are the two situations in which my salmon has still be raw in the middle but it typically works like a dream for me.

      Reply
  10. Randy

    January 9, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    What if I don’t have any lemons? I also just have some dill garlic powder, salt and pepper should that be good still?

    Reply
  11. Terri

    January 15, 2019 at 1:44 am

    Made this tonight and it was amazing. For my rather thin 1/2 pound filet, I cooked at high pressure for 5 minutes with 1 minute natural release, and then used quick release. The salmon was perfectly cooked and delicious. I seasoned with lemon pepper and served with lightly sautéed vegetables. I will use this technique again and again. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  12. Jamie

    March 9, 2019 at 1:49 am

    such a life saver & delicious! thank you!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      March 14, 2019 at 9:41 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  13. Becca

    August 1, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Any suggestion on cooking time is the salmon is NOT Frozen? I have some fresh salmon I need to use!

    Reply
    • Taesha

      August 1, 2019 at 7:28 pm

      Depending on how thick it is, I would say about 3 minutes on high pressure with a quick pressure release in the end. Also, if it is one large piece (I always buy 1 pound filets), I’d cut it into 3-4 pieces

      Reply
      • Becca

        August 1, 2019 at 10:05 pm

        Thank you! ❤️

        Reply
  14. Serviceyards.Com

    March 13, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    Cooking with frozen foods is a smart strategy for days when you do not have the time to make meticulous meals from scratch!

    Reply
  15. Ronda

    July 22, 2020 at 1:58 am

    Made this last night. It was perfect exactly as written in the recipe. Definitely the tastiest, easiest, fastest way to make salmon and accompanying veggies.

    Reply
  16. Ola

    July 29, 2020 at 7:20 am

    5 stars
    Thank you. Awesome.

    Reply
  17. Ford

    August 17, 2020 at 6:58 am

    Cooking with frozen foods is a smart strategy for days when you do not have the time to make meticulous meals from scratch!

    Reply
  18. Janelle

    August 17, 2020 at 8:55 am

    Thanks for being so thorough and giving detailed directions. I appreciate how you give directions for both frozen and thawed salmon. I am looking forward to having you be my go-to site!

    Reply
  19. Samantha

    August 21, 2020 at 1:56 am

    Girl! I just pulled out some salmon for dinner tonight! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Happy cooking!

    Reply
  20. Becky

    November 4, 2020 at 1:46 am

    Super easy and quick! Perfect for the summer when it is too hot to turn on the stove or oven. I just added the butter and salt and pepper when cooking and was plenty flavorful.

    Reply
  21. Chelle Thompson

    November 9, 2020 at 1:43 am

    I was skeptical about cooking frozen salmon in the instant pot. This was delicious, quick, and my new favorite recipe for salmon. It was perfectly cooked from frozen in minutes!

    Reply
  22. Helena

    December 5, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    5 stars
    I would have never thought that you can use frozen salmon like that – fantastic!

    Reply
  23. Cindy

    June 29, 2021 at 12:51 am

    Great recipe! If this helps anyone else- I had a 1 pound frozen salmon filet which was no more than 1 in thick in center. I did 9 min but it was not fully cooked, still raw inside. I set it for 2 more and it was ok but slightly, well, mush? Next time I did this recipe I put the same shape and weight filet in for 13 min and it was perfect. Very moist but flaky and stable. Hope you enjoy! P.S. I’m at high altitude if that matters?

    Reply
  24. Kenny

    August 17, 2021 at 1:30 pm

    5 stars
    Loved the recipe. I added fresh green beans. If an old fart, single guy, new to cooking, can manage to prepare this great meal, anyone can.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      August 17, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      Ha! I love this, Kenny! Thank you for taking the time to share your success! 💚

      Reply
  25. Alicia

    December 1, 2021 at 12:47 am

    I have the same question as the lady beneath me. I don’t have any lemon juice. Will some lemon pepper seasoning be okay? I’m worried it won’t come out well and Id have wasted salmon!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 1, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Alicia! Lemon pepper would be a lovely addition and really give the salmon lovely flavor. You could also up the garlic and salt in this recipe to give the fish extra flavor in place of the lemon.

      Reply
  26. deborah

    January 10, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    5 stars
    I so enjoyed this, served over a bed of spinach. My brand of instant pot seems to take a little bit longer, plus I was nervous because this was my first time cooking salmon from frozen, so I did end up just slightly overcooking my fish. It was still very delicious, but next time I will use your recommended time. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      January 11, 2022 at 12:36 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Deborah.

      Reply
  27. Janet H

    March 28, 2022 at 9:52 pm

    For the lemon juice, do you use fresh or bottled?

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      March 28, 2022 at 10:52 pm

      I use fresh usually, but bottled will work too

      Reply
  28. Teemun Store

    December 22, 2022 at 7:46 am

    5 stars
    I love salmon! i eat it everyday

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 22, 2022 at 9:02 am

      So glad you enjoy it as much as I do!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Taesha! I help busy people fall in love with healthy eating with my simple, family-friendly, veggie-loaded recipes. I believe vegetables can and SHOULD be delicious. Here, let me show you how!

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