On busy days when time is tight and schedules are packed, finding a healthy dinner solution that’s also kid-friendly can feel like a culinary victory. This Instant Pot Frozen Salmon Soup for a healthy dinner solution on busy days. Packed with flavor and kid-friendly too!
Ingredients for the Salmon Soup
- 14 oz (400g) frozen salmon fillets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup rice (long-grain rice such as jasmine rice or basmati rice)
- 1/2 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh dill for serving
- Extra virgin olive oil to serve
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing one onion and one carrot. Measure out half a cup of rice and half a cup of sweet corn. Gather your spices and vegetable broth.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add two tablespoons of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and carrot. Sauté until they begin to soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Rice and Sweet Corn: Stir in the rice and sweet corn, allowing them to cook alongside the aromatics for an additional minute. This step helps to toast the rice slightly, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the Vegetable Broth: Add four cups of vegetable broth to the Instant Pot, ensuring that the rice and vegetables are fully submerged. Season the broth with spices, salt and pepper.
- Add the Frozen Salmon: Carefully place the frozen salmon fillets on top of the broth and vegetables. They will thaw and cook gently as the soup simmers, infusing it with their rich flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook the soup on high pressure for 6-7 minutes.
- Natural Release and Flake Salmon: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully and use a fork to gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Serving and Garnishing
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs. Options like dill, parsley, or chives complement the delicate flavors of the salmon and vegetables beautifully.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: For an extra touch of richness and depth, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over each serving of soup just before serving. This adds a luxurious finish and enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
- Serve with Bread or Crackers: Accompany the Salmon Soup with your favorite crusty bread or whole grain crackers.
- Optional Lemon Wedges: Squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice over the Salmon Soup just before eating brightens adds a zesty kick.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the garnishes based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. If desired, you can also offer additional toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips and Variations
- Add Fresh Vegetables: While frozen vegetables are convenient, you can also incorporate fresh vegetables into the soup for added texture and flavor. Consider adding diced bell peppers, celery, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for a burst of freshness.
- Enhance Flavor with Aromatics: Boost the aromatic profile of the soup by adding minced garlic or grated ginger to the sautéed onions and carrots.
- Creamy Variation: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream after the soup has finished cooking.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor profile of the Salmon Soup. Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and smokiness. You can also incorporate curry powder or turmeric for an exotic twist.
- Bulk it Up: If you prefer a heartier soup, add additional ingredients such as cooked quinoa, diced potatoes, or chopped kale. These additions not only add substance to the Salmon Soup but also boost its nutritional value, making it even more filling and satisfying.
- Storage and Reheating: This Salmon Soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove-top until heated through for a quick and convenient meal.
More Fish Recipes
Fresh and Flavorful: Broccoli Rice Bowl with Salmon
Amazingly Tasty Chowder with a Trout Fillet
Mashed Potatoes with White Fish (Stamppot)
One-Pan Baked Sea Bass with Mediterranean Flavors
Quinoa Bowl with Baked Salmon and Green Beans
Baked Salmon with Broccoli & Shiitake
FAQ
Q1: Can I use fresh salmon instead of frozen? A: Absolutely! While this recipe is tailored for using frozen salmon for convenience, you can substitute fresh salmon if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh salmon may cook faster than frozen.
Q2: Can I use other types of fish or seafood in this recipe? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of fish or seafood to suit your taste preferences. Shrimp, cod, or tilapia would work well in this soup. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the type and size of the seafood you choose.
Q3: How can I make this salmon soup more kid-friendly? A: Kids often enjoy milder flavors and familiar ingredients. You can customize the soup by adjusting the spice level to be mild, adding their favorite vegetables, or even blending the soup to a smoother consistency if they prefer.
Q4: Can I add dairy to the salmon soup? A: While this recipe doesn’t call for dairy, you can certainly add a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt to the soup for added richness and creaminess, especially if you enjoy dairy products. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
Q: Can I make this salmon soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this salmon soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for late. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and convenient meal option.
Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Frozen Salmon Soup in Minutes
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 14 oz frozen salmon fillets 400 g
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup long-grain rice such as jasmine rice or basmati rice
- 1/2 cup sweet corn frozen or canned
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth recipe here
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for serving
- extra virgin olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing one onion and one carrot. Measure out half a cup of rice and half a cup of sweet corn. Gather your spices and vegetable broth.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add two tablespoons of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and carrot. Sauté until they begin to soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Rice and Sweet Corn: Stir in the rice and sweet corn, allowing them to cook alongside the aromatics for an additional minute. This step helps to toast the rice slightly, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the Vegetable Broth: Add four cups of vegetable broth to the Instant Pot, ensuring that the rice and vegetables are fully submerged. Season the broth with your desired spices, salt and pepper.
- Add the Frozen Salmon: Carefully place the frozen salmon fillets on top of the broth and vegetables. They will thaw and cook gently as the soup simmers, infusing it with their rich flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook the soup on high pressure for 6-7 minutes.
- Natural Release and Flake Salmon: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully and use a fork to gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.