How to Cook Fish in the Instant Pot

What if you could make a quick, deliciously flavorful meal with fish almost at the snap of your fingers? It is possible once you know how to cook fish in the Instant Pot. A bonus is that there is no fish smell while cooking, though some is released when the steam valve is opened. Once you’ve tried it, you are very likely to get hooked on seafood recipes using the Instant Pot. Start with the freshest fish for the best results, which means shopping at our retail counter at City Fish Market, of course! Tips and a winning recipe follow to get you started cooking fish with your Instant Pot.

Flaky and Tender Fish Every Time!

It seems that life keeps getting busier, and eating healthy fish cooked in your pressure cooker can help you breathe easier. After all, we are talking about the leanest protein. Fish is rich in nutrition-packed omega-3 fatty acids that you can’t get anywhere else.

Within a few minutes, you can sit down to eat tender, flaky fish. You can also use your Instant Pot to steam fresh vegetables such as squash, zucchini, carrots, and onion. Veggies make the perfect side dish for fish cooked in the Instant Pot.

A Great Fish Marinade and Instant Pot Recipe

Start with fresh cod, snapper, halibut, tilapia, grouper, or flounder. The basic idea is to use the white fish fillets of your choice. Next, decide on the marinade you want to use. Making homemade marinades like White Fish Marinade with Lemons and Herbs adds some prep time, but that can be done ahead of time. For instance, Real Food Whole Life.com provides the following tips and recipe ideas for fish marinade.

Ingredients are as follows: At least 2 firm white fish fillets; 2 lemons; 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 Tbsp of finely chopped soft fresh herbs (more info on herbs below; and at the end, add 1 Tbsp of butter.

Basic directions for prepping and cooking the Instant Pot recipe:

• Use precisely the ingredients listed for terrific results.
• Use soft, fresh herbs, which are essential. The chef recommends basil, dill, and/or parsley—or a combination of two or all three.
• Keep in mind that white fish should be marinated no longer than 30 minutes because the acid from the lemon can cook the fish. The marinade itself, however, can be mixed, sealed in a jar, and refrigerated for up to 4 days.

• Zest and juice one lemon. Then whisk together until smooth the lemon zest and juice in a small bowl with the olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs.
• Pat the fish dry.
• Toss the fish in the marinade in a plastic bag then press air out of the bag and place it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.
• Pour 1 cup of cold tap water inside the pot.
• Place the trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Place a round piece of parchment paper to cover the trivet.
• Place the fish fillets crisscrossed in layers on the parchment/trivet.
• Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and move the valve to sealing.
• Pressure cook marinated fresh fish fillets for 2 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the fish. It should be at least 140°F. If the fish isn’t at the right temperature, cook for an additional 30 seconds (repeat again as needed). 
• Add butter and enjoy!

Get Fresh Fish to Cook in the Instant Pot at City Fish Market 

At City Fish Market, we love to share things like how to cook fish in the Instant Pot. That’s because enticing home cooks to prepare healthy seafood meals is, like, our superpower! We have the white fish fillets and other seafood you need for cooking all kinds of Instant Pot recipes, such as Shrimp Alfredo, steamed crab legs, and Instant Pot Tuna Puttanesca. Find some of these Instant Pot recipes and more on the AllRecipes.com website.

Find the freshest seafood selections at our address, which is 884 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield, CT. Call us or fill out our online form for delivery. Yes, we deliver!