I never thought I’d become an Instant Pot evangelist, but here I am, practically shouting from the rooftops about how this magical kitchen gadget has revolutionized my fish cooking game!
As someone who used to be intimidated by cooking seafood, I’ve found that my trusty Instant Pot makes preparing fish dishes foolproof and incredibly delicious.
The beauty of these Instant Pot fish recipes is their versatility. From rich Instant Pot salmon recipes that impress dinner guests to quick and healthy Instant Pot seafood recipes perfect for busy weeknights, there’s something for everyone.
I’ve even adapted some of my favorite garlic butter shrimp recipes to work with various fish, with equally delicious results!
Let me share my top ten favorite Instant Pot fish recipes that have become staples in my household. These dishes have convinced even my seafood-skeptical friends that fish can be both easy to prepare and absolutely scrumptious.
1. Garlic Butter Instant Pot Salmon
This recipe single-handedly changed my relationship with salmon. I used to find cooking salmon intimidating, worrying about drying it out, but the Instant Pot method keeps it perfectly moist every time.
I start with fresh salmon fillets, season them generously with salt and pepper, then prepare a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce with six minced garlic cloves, three tablespoons of butter, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
I place the salmon on the trivet, pour the sauce over, and pressure cook for just 3-4 minutes. The result? Tender, flaky salmon that practically melts in your mouth.
What I love most about this salmon Instant Pot recipe is how the garlic butter infuses into every bite. It’s become my go-to for impressing dinner guests with minimal effort!
2. Instant Pot Fish Curry
On chilly evenings when I crave something warming and flavorful, this fish curry is my absolute salvation. I use firm white fish like cod or halibut, cut into chunks. I sauté onions, ginger, and garlic using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, then add curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
A can of coconut milk creates the luscious base, and I throw in some bell peppers and tomatoes for extra nutrition and color. After pressure cooking for just 4 minutes, I have a restaurant-quality curry that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
I serve it over rice and always make extra because the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
3. Lemon Dill Instant Pot Cod
This light, bright dish has become my spring and summer favorite. I layer cod fillets on the Instant Pot trivet and season them with salt, pepper, and generous amounts of fresh dill. Then I add thin lemon slices on top along with a splash of white wine and a drizzle of olive oil.
After pressure cooking for just 3 minutes, I have perfectly cooked, delicate cod infused with citrus and herb flavors. The natural steam circulation in the Instant Pot ensures the fish absorbs all those wonderful aromatics.
I usually serve this with steamed vegetables and sometimes adapt it using my rice cooker with steamer recipes for a complete one-pot meal that’s both elegant and effortless.
4. Creamy Instant Pot Fish Chowder
On those days when comfort food is calling my name, this fish chowder answers loudly! I start by sautéing bacon bits, onions, and celery in the Instant Pot. Then I add diced potatoes, corn kernels, seafood stock, and seasonings.
After pressure cooking for 5 minutes, I add chunks of firm white fish and heavy cream, then use the sauté function to simmer until the fish is cooked through.
The result is a rich, creamy chowder with tender fish, smoky bacon, and hearty vegetables. What I love most is how the pressure cooking extracts maximum flavor from the ingredients in minimum time. This chowder makes me feel like I’m at a seaside restaurant, even when I’m miles from the coast!
5. Instant Pot Miso Glazed Fish
This recipe brought Japanese restaurant flavors straight to my kitchen table! I mix white miso paste with mirin, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey to create a sweet-savory glaze that transforms ordinary fish into something extraordinary.
I usually use sea bass or cod fillets, carefully placed on a sheet of parchment paper on the trivet. After drizzling the glaze over the fish, I pressure cook for just 3 minutes. The miso glaze caramelizes slightly and infuses the fish with umami goodness.
I often sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top for crunch and color. This dish might seem fancy, but I promise it comes together in about 15 minutes total!
6. Cajun Instant Pot Tilapia
When I’m craving bold, spicy flavors, this Cajun tilapia hits all the right notes. I make a robust spice blend with paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder, then generously coat tilapia fillets with it. I place them on the trivet with lemon slices and a splash of chicken broth below.
After just 2 minutes of pressure cooking (yes, really, just 2!), I have perfectly cooked tilapia with a kick of heat and layers of flavor. The Instant Pot keeps the fish incredibly moist, which can be tricky with tilapia.
I often serve this with dirty rice or corn on the cob for a complete Cajun-inspired meal that makes my taste buds dance!
7. Mediterranean Instant Pot Fish Stew
This hearty stew transports me straight to a coastal village in Italy or Greece with every spoonful. I sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add crushed tomatoes, olives, capers, white wine, and herbs like oregano and thyme.
After a brief pressure cook, I add chunks of firm white fish and shrimp, letting the residual heat cook them through. The Mediterranean flavors blend beautifully, creating a stew that’s somehow both rustic and sophisticated. I love sopping up the flavorful broth with crusty bread.
This is my dinner party secret weapon—it looks impressive but requires minimal active cooking time!
8. Asian-Style Instant Pot Steamed Fish
This clean, light preparation highlights the natural flavor of the fish, which I appreciate after heavy holiday meals or when I’m focusing on healthier eating. I place a whole fish or large fillets on the trivet, then top with julienned ginger, scallions, and a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce.
After steaming in the Instant Pot for about 4-5 minutes, I have perfectly cooked fish that’s moist and infused with Asian aromatics. What I love about this technique is that it preserves the delicate texture of the fish while adding just enough flavor enhancement.
It’s similar to some salmon eggs recipes I’ve tried, where simplicity allows the quality of the main ingredient to shine through.
9. Instant Pot Fish Tacos
Taco Tuesday got a major upgrade when I discovered I could make amazing fish for tacos in my Instant Pot! I season tilapia or cod fillets with a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime zest, then pressure cook them for just 2-3 minutes. The fish comes out perfectly flaky and ready to be gently broken into pieces.
I serve the fish in warm corn tortillas with a crunchy slaw, avocado slices, and a zesty crema. What makes these tacos special is how the Instant Pot infuses the spices into the fish while keeping it moist. My friends always ask for seconds (and the recipe!).
10. Coconut Milk Instant Pot Fish
This Thai-inspired dish has the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. I combine coconut milk with red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to create a fragrant cooking liquid. Firm white fish chunks go in with bell peppers and snap peas for a complete one-pot meal.
After pressure cooking for just 3 minutes, I have tender fish swimming in a luxurious coconut sauce. I often garnish with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and thinly sliced red chilis for an extra punch of flavor and color. This recipe has converted several friends who claimed they “don’t like fish” into true believers!
Conclusion
I’ve come a long way from being nervous about cooking fish, and my Instant Pot deserves much of the credit. These ten recipes have shown me that seafood doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating.
In fact, the precise temperature control of pressure cooking makes it easier than traditional methods to get perfect results every time.
So if you’ve been hesitant about cooking fish at home, I encourage you to dust off your Instant Pot and try one of these recipes. Start with the garlic butter salmon—it’s practically foolproof and might just spark your own seafood cooking revolution.
Before you know it, you’ll be creating your own variations and wondering why you ever found fish intimidating in the first place!