Instant Pot Tilapia

If you are looking for an easy dinner that is both delicious and nutritious, try this Instant Pot tilapia recipe!

Ready in 4 minutes with only 5 ingredients, you will love how easy this Instant Pot tilapia is to make, and its versatility will make it one of your go-to recipes.

Make this recipe for dinner tonight, add it to your fish tacos on taco Tuesday, or take advantage of its simplicity by meal prepping for the week.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

One of the reasons I love this Instant Pot tilapia fish recipe is that it is so versatile. With this delicious tilapia, I can create so many different meals. From Instant Pot fish tacos to instant pot fish stew or even just a simple fish dinner with a side of vegetables, rice, and some lemon slices. I can even meal prep by adding this Instant Pot tilapia to bowls and salads for the week.

Another reason this Instant Pot tilapia recipe is so great is because of how incredibly healthy it is. Fish, white fish especially, are an excellent source of protein. Packed with vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, phosphorus, and selenium, tilapia fillets are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

We can't forget one of the biggest bonuses of this Instant Pot tilapia. How little time it takes to have a hot, delicious, healthy protein ready for lunch, dinner, or whatever, in just 7 minutes!

Ingredients

Tilapia Fillets:

Even though this Instant Pot tilapia calls for fresh tilapia fillets, you can pretty much use any of your favorite white fish fillets you like. You can even use frozen fish if that's what you have on hand, you can follow the same directions, just make sure to adjust your cooking time appropriately. You'll need another minute or two for a thin fillet like those pictured in the recipe. If your fillet is thicker, you will need to adjust your cooking time further.

Lemon:

Marinating your fish in lemon juice will help to keep your Instant Pot tilapia tender during the pressure cook process. If you don't have lemons though, lime juice will work just as well. Any type of citrus will work, really. It's the acidity from the citrus that tenderizes the meat.

If you want to amp up the lemony flavor in your fish, try adding some lemon zest to the marinade.

Seasonings:

While this recipe only calls for salt and pepper to season your Instant Pot tilapia, you can always get creative here and season your fish however you want.

Seasonings like garlic and oregano will make an excellent addition to this recipe. However, if you want to try something different, combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, chipotle pepper, and cumin to make a taco seasoning for Instant Pot fish tacos.

Parmesan Cheese:

Topping your Instant Pot tilapia with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is a great way to give this lighter-tasting white fish a bold flavor. However, if you don't like parmesan, you can always try romano, Grana Padano, or just eliminate the cheese altogether.

How to Make Instant Pot Tilapia

Step One: Marinate your tilapia fillets in lemon juice and top with salt and pepper.

Step Two: Place the trivet inside of your Instant Pot and stack your fresh or frozen tilapia fillets on top of it, adding the remaining juices.

Step Three: Secure the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural pressure release (or for at least 10 minutes).

Once done, open the lid.

Step Four: Top with parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• If you are cooking more than 4 fillets at the same time in your Instant Pot, you may have to increase the cooking time by a minute or two, especially if you are using frozen fillets.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Tilapia

There are so many different ways to make a delicious dinner using this Instant Pot tilapia because of how versatile this recipe is.

Within 7 minutes, you can add this deliciously tender tilapia to your favorite taco shell and try these Instant Pot fish tacos to celebrate taco Tuesday.

You can even add Instant Pot fish to this Instant Pot fish biryani recipe or Instant Pot fish stew for something to keep you warm on these cold winter nights.

Or, for a simple fish dinner that is quick and easy to prepare, try serving your easy Instant Pot fish with some Instant Pot green beans, broccoli, or sauteed sliced vegetables.

For even more ideas, check out What To Serve With Tilapia.

FAQs

How long can Instant Pot tilapia leftovers be stored?

You can store leftover Instant Pot fish, including this tilapia, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 weeks.

Is tilapia healthy?

Tilapia fish, like most white fish, is incredibly good for you, boasting plenty of vitamins, nutrients, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it's cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats, making this Instant Pot tilapia a great recipe for heart-healthy diets.

Should I use fresh or frozen tilapia fillets?

When it comes to making fish filets in your Instant Pot, you can use whichever you have on hand. The only real difference between using fresh fish fillets and frozen fish fillets is that frozen fillets will require an added minute or two of cooking time.

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