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Welcome to “Delicious Instant Pot Seafood Recipes,” where we embark on a culinary journey together, exploring the ocean’s bounty with the convenience of our Instant Pots. In this collection, we will discover mouth-watering meals that blend the rich flavors of seafood with the efficiency and ease of pressure cooking. Let’s dive into an array of delectable dishes, from succulent shrimp scampi to savory seafood paella, all made possible with the magic of our trusty kitchen gadget. Together, we’ll unlock the secrets to quick, healthy, and delicious seafood creations that will impress family and friends alike. Have you ever wondered how you can quickly and effortlessly include more seafood in your meals? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’ll dive into the world of Instant Pot seafood recipes that are as delicious as they are convenient. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, cooking seafood has never been easier or tastier.

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The Magic of the Instant Pot

Why Use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. It simplifies meal prep and ensures that your food gets cooked evenly and quickly. When it comes to seafood, the Instant Pot helps retain its delicate flavors and flaky textures, making it a perfect tool for those who love fish, shrimp, and other marine delights.

Health Benefits of Seafood

Seafood is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Including seafood in our diet can improve brain function, support healthy vision, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Given these benefits, it’s no wonder many of us are eager to incorporate more seafood into our weekly meal plans.

Tips for Cooking Seafood in an Instant Pot

Selecting the Right Seafood

Not all types of seafood are created equal when it comes to Instant Pot cooking. Here are some tips to help you choose the best options:

• Fish: Salmon, cod, halibut, and tilapia are great choices. These fish hold up well under pressure and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Shellfish: Shrimp, scallops, and mussels cook quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
• Frozen vs. Fresh: Both frozen and fresh seafood work well. However, if using frozen, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Prepping Seafood for the Instant Pot

Proper preparation is key to perfect seafood dishes. Here’s how to prep common types of seafood:

• Fish: Rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and season as desired.
• Shrimp: Remove shells and veins, rinse, and season.
• Scallops: Rinse and pat dry. If large, consider halving them.

Cooking Times and Tips

Overcooking seafood is a common concern, especially with the powerful Instant Pot. Here are some general guidelines:

Pro Tips:

• For an even cook, cut fish fillets into uniform pieces.
• Use the sauté function to build flavor by searing fish or shellfish before pressure cooking.
• Use lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs to elevate the natural flavors of your seafood.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some mouth-watering Instant Pot seafood recipes that you and your family will love!

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Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
   • Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add Liquid:
   • Pour in the water or chicken broth to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits.
4. Season and Add Salmon:
   • Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Arrange lemon slices on top of the fillets for extra flavor. Place the salmon fillets on a trivet in the Instant Pot.
5. Cook:
   • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes (depending on thickness).
6. Release Pressure:
   • Perform a quick release to avoid overcooking.
7. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the Instant Pot, garnish with fresh dill, and serve.

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Cooked pasta or rice for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add butter and let it melt, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and white wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom.
3. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add Shrimp:
   • Place the shrimp in the Instant Pot, ensuring they are spread out in an even layer.
5. Cook:
   • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 1-2 minutes.
6. Quick Release:
   • Perform a quick release to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over cooked pasta or rice.

Instant Pot Seafood Paella

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
• 1/2 pound calamari rings
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, then cook diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Rice and Spices:
   • Stir in Arborio rice, saffron threads, and smoked paprika, cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Add Liquids:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and canned tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Natural Release:
   • Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
6. Add Seafood:
   • Open the lid and add shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Final Cook:
   • Close the lid again and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Perform a quick release to prevent overcooking.
8. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the lid, fluff the rice, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Instant Pot Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans minced clams with juice (6.5 oz each)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the rendered bacon fat, cook diced onion and garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Release Pressure:
   • Perform a quick release to soften the potatoes without turning them to mush.
5. Add Clams and Cream:
   • Stir in the clams with their juice and the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Heat Through:
   • Set the Instant Pot to sauté and cook until the chowder is heated through, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the clam chowder into bowls, garnish with crispy bacon and fresh chives.

Instant Pot Garlic Butter Scallops

Ingredients

• 1 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear Scallops:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Sear scallops for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
3. Deglaze Pot:
   • Pour in lemon juice to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Cook Scallops:
   • Return scallops to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
5. Quick Release:
   • Perform a quick release to ensure the scallops remain tender.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the scallops, pour over the garlic butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Instant Pot Crab Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 pound crabmeat, picked over for shells
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine crabmeat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
2. Form Patties:
   • Form the mixture into 8 patties, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
3. Sauté:
   • Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil. Once hot, cook the crab cakes 2-3 at a time until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Steam:
   • Once all crab cakes are browned, add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Stack crab cakes on the trivet. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
5. Quick Release:
   • Perform a quick release. Carefully remove crab cakes and serve.
6. Serve:
   • Serve with a side of tartar sauce or aioli.

Ending Notes

These Instant Pot seafood recipes bring the flavors of the ocean straight to our kitchen with minimal effort. With the versatile Instant Pot in our cooking arsenal, we can whip up these delicious dishes in no time, impressing family and friends alike. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these recipes guarantee a wonderful dining experience filled with the rich, savory flavors of seafood.

So next time you’re considering what to make for dinner, why not give one of these Instant Pot seafood recipes a try? We promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!

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