Quick and Easy Instant Pot Frozen Fish Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I always make sure my dishes are packed with mouth-watering flavors and exciting textures. Today, I’ll be sharing with you a recipe that’s not only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknights.
Introducing my Instant Pot Frozen Fish recipe! Yes, that’s right – you read it correctly. You can cook frozen fish straight from your freezer and have a delicious meal in just a matter of minutes. No need to wait for the fish to thaw or worry about it going bad in your fridge.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, this recipe will allow you to create perfectly cooked fish fillets with minimal effort. It’s an ideal solution for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a healthy and flavorful dinner.
So let’s get started! With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty Instant Pot, you’ll be able to create a delicious fish dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll absolutely love this Instant Pot Frozen Fish Recipe. Imagine coming back home from a long day at work, and having a delicious fish dinner ready in just a matter of minutes. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a lot of preparation time.
This recipe allows you to cook frozen fish straight from the freezer, without having to defrost it first – which means you can enjoy your favorite fish dishes even when you’re short on time. The Instant Pot does all the work for you by pressure cooking the fish fillets perfectly every time.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s not limited to just one type of fish. Whether you want to use salmon fillets, cod fillets, or tilapia fillets, it’s all possible with this recipe. You can even use whole fish if that’s what you prefer.
The other great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different spices and seasonings, such as dill, lemon pepper, or black pepper. You can also make variations like coconut milk-based fish curry or an Italian-style fish stew.
And last but not least, this recipe is healthy and nutritious. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins that are essential for maintaining good health. With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
So there you have it – quick, easy, versatile, and healthy – there are so many reasons why you’ll absolutely love this Instant Pot Frozen Fish Recipe.
Ingredient List
Before we get started with the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather. This recipe is incredibly simple and only requires a handful of ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this Instant Pot frozen fish recipe:
- Frozen fish fillets (salmon, tilapia, cod, or any other type of fish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Dill (fresh or dried)
- Lemon juice
- Water
That’s it! You don’t need any fancy or exotic ingredients for this recipe – everything is straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store. Plus, all of these ingredients are highly customizable so feel free to adjust the seasoning or swap out the types of fish however you like.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
The first step in cooking frozen fish in an instant pot is to prepare the pot. Add one cup of water and a few tablespoons of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to the bottom of the pot. This helps to prevent sticking and ensure that your fish keeps its delicious flavor.
Step 2: Add the Fish
Place your frozen fish fillets into the pot. If you have thinner fillets, such as tilapia or cod, you can stack them on top of each other. If you are using thicker fillets, like salmon, try to lay them flat in a single layer.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Next, season your frozen fish with a sprinkling of salt, black pepper, and some fresh dill. If you prefer other seasonings, feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs.
Step 4: Pressure Cook for Perfect Results
Close and lock the Instant Pot lid in place. Set the pressure valve to “Sealing”. Then, cook on high pressure for about 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish fillets.
For example, if you’re cooking frozen cod fillets, set the timer for 5 minutes at high pressure. If you’re cooking a thicker frozen salmon fillet or whole fish, set it for 6 minutes on high pressure.
After cooking is complete, use a quick release function to release the steam so that your fish doesn’t overcook. Once all steam has been released from the instant pot, carefully remove the lid.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now that your fish is cooked perfectly in just a few minutes straight from your freezer, you can serve it however you prefer! Enjoy as-is with some refreshing lemon wedges on top or add some extra bay leaves for a little more flavor. You can even use the cooked fish in other dishes, like a fish curry or coconut milk cod fish stew. The possibilities are endless!
[Bold “Tips for Perfect Results” for next section]
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life and cooking, and there are many ways to make this Instant Pot Frozen Fish recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
1. Different types of fish: While this recipe calls for salmon fillets and cod fillets, you can use any type of fish. Tilapia, for example, is a low-cost and versatile option that benefits from this cooking method. Experiment with various fish fillets or try to cook a whole fish in the Instant Pot.
2. Change up the seasoning: If you’re not a fan of dill or simply want to try something different, consider other spices or herbs like lemon pepper, Italian herbs, ginger, or curry powder.
3. Coconut milk-based stew: Transform this recipe into a fragrant coconut milk-based fish stew by adding coconut milk, carrots and potatoes before pressure-cooking.
4. Air fryer option: Crisp up the skin on top if desired by putting it in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes.
5. Serve with grains and veggies: Serve your Instant Pot Fish with grains such as quinoa or bulgur wheat alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini for a complete nutritious meal.
Remember to adjust your cook time depending on your substitutions or those unexpected variations that may arise from using frozen fish instant pot. With these possibilities in mind, I hope you have fun trying out different variations of this fantastic dish!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this delicious Instant Pot frozen fish recipe, it’s time to talk about serving and pairing options. This recipe is highly versatile and can be eaten with a variety of sides to create different flavor combinations.
Firstly, you can serve your fish fillets over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the flavors of the salmon, cod, or tilapia making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the full flavor of their fish fillets. You can also toss in some chana dal, a popular Indian dish made with spicy lentils, for an exciting fusion meal as well.
Another great option is to pair your fish fillets with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. The roasted flavor complements the delicate taste of the fish fillet perfectly creating a balanced bite. Additionally, you could make some mash potatoes to go along with your dish, which will help complete the meal and add some extra carbohydrates into your diet.
Finally, if you are going for a more exotic flavor, try adding some coconut milk and curry powder to your cooking process. The creaminess of coconut milk cuts through any spiciness in the curry powder, making it an excellent blend for both novice and experienced eaters alike.
In terms of drink pairings, some great options include a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. Alternatively, you could enjoy with Indian Chai tea which brings out the flavors of spices in the fish and on your plate equally.
Experiment by trying different serving suggestions so you can find what works best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Frozen Fish Recipe is its convenience. You can actually make-ahead with it, which makes it an ideal option for busy home cooks or when cooking for a crowd. Once cooked, allow the fish to cool to room temperature before storing in a zipper-lock freezer bag. Make sure you label and date the bag before placing it in the freezer. When you are ready to reheat, simply remove the bag from the freezer and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating your frozen fish fillets is also very easy. One of my favorite ways is to reheat them in the air fryer. Simply place the fillets on the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 5-6 minutes depending on their thickness. Alternatively, you can heat them up using a heated pan. Place a small amount of butter into a heated pan and cook uncovered for 3 minutes until browned. Then flip the fish over and cooked uncovered again for another 3 minutes.
However, you decide to reheat your frozen fish, make sure to watch the time carefully as overcooking can toughen it up. Also, consider experimenting with different seasonings like lemon pepper or dill for an extra zing.
If you have some leftover fish which store in the refrigerator instead of freezing, you may want to try making a quick fish curry by adding chana dal and coconut milk or get inspiration from Italian or other cuisines to recreate new dishes with your cooked fish. This recipe lends itself well to creative adaptations and variations based on individual palates, so don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and spices!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking frozen fish is not as easy as cooking fresh fish as the former needs more time to cook and can easily turn out dry, tasteless, or overcooked. However, with a few tricks, you can create a delicious and perfectly cooked frozen fish in your Instant Pot. Here are some tips for perfect results:
1. Season the Fish
Before cooking your frozen fish fillets in an Instant pot, season it generously with black pepper and salt. You can also add other herbs or spices like dill or lemon pepper depending on your taste preferences.
2. Add Water or Lemon Juice
Add water or lemon juice to the Instant Pot to create steam that will cook the fish in seconds. Don’t forget to add a pat of butter on top of the fillets before pressure cooking.
3. Choose the Right Cook Time
The cooking time for frozen fish fillets largely depends on its thickness, so use this as a guide: for thin cuts of fish, 2-3 minutes should suffice on high pressure while thick cuts of fish may take 5-6 minutes to cook through.
4. Use Quick Release
Once the cook time is up, quickly release the pressure instead of letting it naturally release, which can overcook the fish.
5. Use Air Fryer for Extra Crispy Texture
For added texture and flavor, after you have released the pressure from Instant Pot and removed it from the pot, use an air fryer at 380°F for 1-2 minutes to brown the outside for an extra crispy texture.
By following these tips, you will get a perfectly cooked frozen fish instantly ready to serve.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about instant pot frozen fish recipes. Below are clarifications and useful tips to help you prepare this dish flawlessly.
What is the best way to cook frozen fish?
When it comes to cooking frozen fish, the key is to use the right oil and cooking technique. Start by brushing both sides of the fish with a type of oil that can withstand high heat, such as olive, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil. Heat your pan on medium-high and place the fish in it, making sure it’s in contact with the base of the pan. Let it cook uncovered for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the fish and season it with your preferred spices. Then, cover the skillet tightly and let it simmer on medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque throughout. This cooking method will help you achieve a perfectly cooked fish that’s juicy and flavorful.
How long to cook frozen fish fillets in the Instant Pot air fryer?
To start cooking the frozen fish, it’s important to preheat the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. Once the air fryer is heated properly, it’s time to arrange the fish in one layer, ensuring they are spread out evenly in the air fryer basket. After that, close the air fryer and let them cook for 12 to 13 minutes at 380 °F.
Is Instant Pot good for fish?
When it comes to using an instant pot to cook fresh fish, it’s important to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. For instance, mackerel and tilapia fillets can be cooked on low pressure for 2 minutes, as long as they aren’t stacked on top of each other. If you’re working with frozen codfish, it’s recommended to use high pressure for 2 minutes, and it should come out cooked to perfection.
Can you cook fish straight from frozen?
Cooking frozen fish is possible without the need to thaw it first. However, it is important to adjust the cooking time to make up for the frozen state. The good news is that there are several cooking methods available, such as poaching, steaming, baking, broiling, and grilling, to prepare delicious and healthy fish dishes with frozen fish straight from the freezer.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot frozen fish recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and produces delicious results every time. With the use of simple ingredients like water, lemon juice, salt and black pepper, this recipe allows you to cook your fish straight from the freezer in next to no time. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for an alternative to your regular meal rotation, this recipe is perfect for fish-lovers of all experience levels.
The Instant Pot frozen fish recipe also offers versatility in cooking styles with the option to cook under pressure or air fry. There are so many variations to try with different types of fish including salmon fillets, tilapia fillets, cod fillets or even whole fish! The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be cooking up new delicious recipes in no time.
With helpful tips and tricks included such as substituting spices and adding coconut milk to make an Italian-style or Chana dal-based fish curry and advice on pairing this dish with various sides and drinks, this recipe article provides all the resources necessary to achieve unbeatable results every time.
So why not add a little adventure into your daily meals by trying out this Instant Pot frozen fish recipe? You won’t be disappointed!
Instant Pot Frozen Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 lb salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped, fresh
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 1 dash salt
- 1 dash black pepper
Instructions
- Use the metal steamer insert in the pot.
- Add the frozen salmon fillets, skin down, on top of the steamer insert.
- Pour water and lemon juice over salmon.
- Sprinkle dill, salt & pepper on the salmon. You can add lemon slices on top of the salmon for extra flavor.
- Close the lid and set to sealed.
- Set the timer for 6 minutes in manual mode.
- After cooking is done, carefully turn the valve to release the steam.
- Serve immediately with butter, extra dill and lemon, and salt and pepper.