This Instant Pot steamed white fish recipe is the easiest way to cook fish. Not only is it easy, but it comes out tender, flaky, and perfect in less than 15 minutes. Oh and did I mention that you can cook cod, tilapia, or halibut this way from frozen? No need to plan ahead or defrost it before cooking. It's best served hot with this lemon herb couscous.
How will it make your life easier?
Make Instant Pot tilaipa, cod, or even salmon. This is my new favorite way to cook fish, it's like cooking it in parchment in the oven, but won't heat up your house which is perfect during the summer.
What makes this dish so good?
- 4-6 oz white fish such as cod, tilapia, halibut
- Butter
- Lemon
How do I make Instant Pot fish?
Pour 1 c water into Instant Pot bowl. Place trivet or (Instant Pot safe) steamer basket in bowl. Place 4-6 oz frozen fish filet on trivet or steamer basket. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place 1 teaspoon butter on top of fish, and cover fish with 3 slices of lemon.
Expert Tip: Use your favorite white fish (cod, tilapia, halibut). It probably works with salmon too, I just haven't tested it for time)
Replace lid, set vent to SEALING. Set to MANUAL, high pressure, and adjust time to 8 minutes if less than 1 in thick, or 12 for 1-2 in thick.
Once timer goes off, QUICK RELEASE pressure and remove (flip the vent to venting). Check temperature with instant read thermometer. Temperature in middle of fish should be at least 145 degrees. Serve with rice or herb couscous.
Expert Tip: If fish isn't done, set timer for a couple extra minutes to finish cooking. It usually gets up to pressure more quickly if it's just been used.
Expert Tips
- Use this recipe to make Instant Pot tilapia or cod. It probably works with salmon too, I just haven't tested it for time.
- If fish isn't done, set timer for a couple extra minutes to finish cooking. It usually gets up to pressure more quickly if it's just been used.
FAQ
Can you steam fish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can even cook it from frozen. Add at least 1 cup of water, place the fish on a trivet, and cook on manual-high for at least 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Refer to the cooking instructions below for specific cooking time.
How do you steam frozen fish in an Instant Pot?
Add at least 1 cup of water, place the frozen fish on a trivet, and cook on manual-high for at least 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Refer to the cooking instructions below for specific cooking time.
How long do you steam fish in an Instant Pot?
Steam thawed fish for about 2-3 minutes (depending on thickness) and frozen fish for 8-14 minutes depending on thickness.
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
Did you make this Instant Pot fish? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Instant Pot Fish from Frozen
Equipment
- Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
- Trivet/Steamer Basket
- cutting board
- knife
- Tongs/Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4-6 oz white fish such as cod, tilapia, halibut
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 slices lemon
- pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Pour 1 c water into Instant Pot bowl. Place trivet or (Instant Pot safe) steamer basket in bowl. Place frozen fish filet on trivet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place 1 teaspoon butter on top of fish, and cover fish with 3 slices of lemon.
- Replace lid, set vent to SEALING. Set to MANUAL, high pressure, and adjust time to 8 minutes if less than 1 in thick, or 12 for 1-2 in thick.
- Once timer goes off, QUICK RELEASE pressure and remove. Check temperature with instant read thermometer. Temperature in middle of fish should be at least 145 degrees. Serve with rice or herb couscous.
Video
Notes
- Use your favorite white fish (cod, tilapia, halibut). It probably works with salmon too, I just haven't tested it for time)
- If fish isn't done, set timer for a couple extra minutes to finish cooking. It usually gets up to pressure more quickly if it's just been used.
- Herb Couscous recipe.
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Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I've never cooked fish or any seafood in an Instant Pot because I thought it was too delicate (and seafood cooks pretty quickly anyway), but this really makes a beautiful (and unmarred) piece of fish. Love that you can use frozen filets without having to defrost.
Rebecca says
yes, I was really hesitant too but using frozen gives you a bit of wiggle room!
Noelle says
This was so simple! Loved the flavors, perfect for dinner!
Rebecca says
totally! thanks!
Shanna says
I have always wanted to try fish in the Instant Pot. But I have never found a good recipe until now. Thank you so much for sharing.
Rebecca says
yes, this one is super easy & delicious
Stephanie says
Oh, I can't wait to try this! I need to get a steamer basket for my instant pot. I just started using it, so I am working on building up the accessories. We eat a lot of fish in my house, though, so I am excited to make it in the instant pot!
Rebecca says
a steamer basket is the only accessory I've bought and it's all I need! you'll love one
Christian Guzman says
That's great! Such a great idea for something so healthy and good for you.
Rebecca says
thanks!
Greg says
It mentions leaving the insta pot on venting for the cooking cycle. Is this right and if so how does it get up to pressure if it's alway venting steam. Also what is different between venting and quick release? I thought they were the same.
Rebecca says
Hi Greg, great question. I need to update the recipe, because it's wrong. You'll close the valve to cook the fish, then, when the timer goes off, flip the vent to venting. That's how you quick release the steam. thanks for asking
Jill says
I started from a defrosted halibut filet and pressure cooked on high for 12 mins—ended up having to put it back in for 5 more mins. The filet was pretty thick—about 1.5 inches.
Rebecca says
Thanks for sharing what worked for you! Hope it turned out nicely