Are you tired of dry, overcooked salmon that feels more like a punishment than a meal? Get ready to revolutionize your seafood game with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Salmon with Chili Lime Sauce! In just 18 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's bursting with tangy, spicy flavors and incredibly tender fish that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to transform your dinner routine and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Gather 2 salmon fillets and place them on a clean cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a better sear.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. This will be your chili lime sauce.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt to taste on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Pour half of the chili lime sauce over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later use.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add a small amount of oil (optional) to the pot to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the salmon fillets in the Instant Pot, skin-side down if applicable. Sauté the salmon for about 2-3 minutes to give it a slight sear. This step is optional but adds a nice texture.
- After searing, turn off the 'Sauté' mode. Pour in 1 cup of water or broth into the Instant Pot to create steam for cooking.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 3 minutes, then carefully switch the pressure valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid and carefully remove the salmon fillets using a spatula. They should be cooked through and flaky.
- Transfer the salmon fillets to a serving plate and drizzle the reserved chili lime sauce over the top for added flavor.
- Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with lime wedges or fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Salmon with Chili Lime Sauce!
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a better sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor - bottled juice can taste flat.
- Don't skip the optional searing step, as it adds incredible depth of flavor and texture to the salmon.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon. The Instant Pot cooks quickly, so stick to the recommended 5-minute cooking time.
- For extra flavor, try using different types of chili sauce like Sriracha or sweet chili sauce for variety.
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, this recipe can be adapted for oven or stovetop cooking with slight modifications.
- Always check the internal temperature of the salmon - it should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 468kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 109mg
