Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality wait? Then look no further than this Instant Pot Salmon Risotto recipe! This creamy, comforting dish elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious experience, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget the endless stirring and painstaking timing of traditional risotto; this pressure cooker method delivers perfectly cooked rice and flaky salmon in a fraction of the time. The rich, savory broth infused with Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Imagine tender, succulent salmon nestled amongst perfectly al dente Arborio rice, all infused with the delicate aroma of lemon and herbs. This Instant Pot Salmon Risotto is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Ready to experience the magic of effortless gourmet cooking? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- Microplane grater
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Kosher salt
- Coarse black pepper
- Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning
- Oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Arborio rice
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Fresh thyme
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. When hot, add oil, onions (with a pinch of salt), and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Other rice types won't work).



Step 2. Pressure Cook with Broth and Salmon
- Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits. (Important for pressure cooking).
- If using meat, add it on a trivet. Replace the lid, set the switch to "seal", cancel sauté, and press "pressure cooker manual" on high pressure for 5 minutes.


Step 3. Natural Pressure Release and Creamy Finish
- When finished, move the switch to "vent" to release steam. Wait for the pin to drop before removing the lid.
- Add butter, fresh thyme (or dried), and lemon juice. Grate Parmesan cheese into the rice and stir until melted and creamy.


Step 4. Prepare Salmon
- Season salmon generously with kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning. Set aside.
Read more: Grilled Stuffed Squid with Venere Black Rice & Buttered Vegetables
Tips
- Use warm chicken broth instead of cold water for better rice activation and creaminess.
- Using block Parmesan cheese is recommended for superior flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the Instant Pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of your frozen salmon pieces.
2. What kind of rice is best for Instant Pot risotto?
Arborio rice is traditionally used for risotto because of its creamy texture when cooked. Other short-grain rice varieties might work, but Arborio yields the best results.
This Instant Pot Salmon Risotto recipe proves that gourmet meals can be both delicious and incredibly easy to make. The creamy texture, perfectly cooked salmon, and delightful flavors will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy this elegant yet effortless dish, and prepare to impress your dinner guests!