Best Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot Recipe (Quick & Easy)

When time is tight but you’re craving a bold, satisfying meal, this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is your shortcut to flavor-packed success. With just a few ingredients—including wild-caught salmon and the smoky-sweet Trader Joe’s salmon rub—you’ll have a healthy dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. No need to thaw frozen fillets, no need to hover over the stove.

This Instant Pot salmon recipe is designed to keep things simple while delivering rich, restaurant-style flavor. You’ll discover how to prep salmon with Trader Joe’s rub for the best results, the perfect pressure cook settings for both fresh and frozen fish, and how to easily include vegetables for a complete meal—all in one pot.

Whether you’re brand-new to pressure cooking or looking for a reliable go-to, this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe delivers consistent, juicy results every time. We’ll even share tips on how to use the rub with chicken, tofu, and roasted veggies—so that jar never goes to waste.

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Why This Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot Recipe Works Every Time

How Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub Adds Instant Flavor

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe makes flavorful dinners faster than you think. Trader Joe’s salmon rub blends smoky spices, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, turning plain fish into something rich and satisfying in minutes.

Because it’s a dry seasoning, it clings to the salmon without needing marination. As the fish cooks under pressure, the flavors melt into the fillet—so you get that “cooked-all-day” taste in just a few minutes. The rub is especially effective with pressure cooking, where moisture and flavor stay sealed in.

You don’t need fancy sauces or complex steps. Just rub the seasoning over the fish, load your Instant Pot, and let the pressure do the rest. This rub is designed to enhance salmon but also works well on chicken, veggies, or tofu—making it one of Trader Joe’s most versatile pantry items.

Craving comfort food? My corned beef instant pot recipe brings big flavor and is perfect for a family dinner.

Why This Instant Pot Method Delivers Consistent Results

Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky—but this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe offers a no-fail approach. The pressure cooking process gently steams the fish from all sides, preserving moisture and locking in flavor without overcooking.

Here’s why this method is a favorite among home cooks:

• Fresh salmon fillets are done in just 3 minutes
• Frozen pieces cook in 5, no defrosting required
• Even heat distribution ensures tender, flaky texture
• Minimal cleanup with one pot and no extra pans

This method saves time and effort, making it ideal for busy nights. All you need is the rub, salmon, a bit of water, and the Instant Pot. In just a few steps, dinner’s ready—and it tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen.

You can scale it up or down depending on your needs. Add as many fillets as your pot can hold, or toss in some quick-cooking vegetables after the first cycle to round out the meal.

What Makes Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub So Special

A Flavor Blend Made for Pressure Cooking

A big reason this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe stands out is the seasoning itself. Trader Joe’s crafted this salmon rub with a balanced blend of warming spices, a hint of sweetness, and aromatic herbs that bring out the natural richness of seafood. It’s tailor-made to bring out the best in salmon, especially when cooked quickly under pressure.

Key Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub

Let’s break down the rub’s core ingredients:

• Smoked paprika – Delivers a rich, smoky flavor that brings depth to the salmon
• Brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the spice
• Black pepper – Adds a soft touch of spice that deepens the overall flavor
• Oregano and thyme – Bring in an herbal note that works well with seafood
• Garlic and onion powder – Round out the rub with savory richness

What makes this perfect for a salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is how well it performs during high-pressure cooking. Because it’s a dry rub, it sticks tightly to the surface of the fish—even with steam and moisture inside the pot. That gives you powerful flavor without needing a marinade or lengthy prep time.

You get bold, balanced seasoning in every mouthful, and the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting. It’s quick, mess-free, and perfect for those who want maximum taste with minimal effort.

If you enjoy one-pot meals, take a look at my step-by-step guide for perfect Instant Pot corned beef.

More Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is just the beginning. The rub is extremely versatile and can upgrade more than just seafood. With one spice blend, you can flavor multiple meals throughout the week—fast.

Alternate Uses for Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub

Food	How to Use the Rub	Cooking Method
Chicken (thighs, breasts)	Coat before baking or air-frying	Oven or air fryer
Shrimp	Toss before grilling or pan-searing	Grill or stovetop
Sweet potatoes	Mix with oil and bake	Roast at 400°F
Tofu or tempeh	Rub and marinate for 10 mins	Bake or sear
Roasted vegetables	Sprinkle with olive oil and toss to coat	Oven or air fryer

If you’re already making a salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe, you can use the leftover rub to season your sides—or even tomorrow’s dinner. That makes it a budget-friendly and time-saving staple.

Choosing the Best Salmon for Your Instant Pot

Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: What’s Best for Flavor and Health

Choosing the right salmon for your salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe can dramatically affect both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re aiming for better health or a stronger taste, wild-caught Alaskan salmon consistently outperforms its farmed counterpart.

Why Wild-Caught Salmon Works Best in This Recipe

• Cleaner flavor – Wild-caught salmon brings a fresher, ocean-bright taste that complements bold rubs like Trader Joe’s
• Lower in additives – It’s free from synthetic feed, colorants, and antibiotics, making it a cleaner choice
• Firm texture – This helps the salmon stay intact during pressure cooking in your Instant Pot salmon recipe
• Higher nutrition – Loaded with omega-3s and lean protein, wild salmon makes this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe as healthy as it is tasty

That said, if farmed salmon is all you have in the fridge or freezer, it’s still completely usable. Just expect a slightly softer texture and shorter cook time due to the higher fat content. Luckily, the seasoning in this Trader Joe’s Instant Pot salmon rub recipe works well with both varieties.

Fresh or Frozen: Both Are Perfect for the Instant Pot

One reason home cooks love this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is that it’s extremely flexible. Whether you have fresh fillets or just pulled a pack of frozen salmon from the freezer, this method still works like a charm.

Pressure Cooking Times for Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon

Type of Salmon	Prep Notes	Pressure Cook Time
Fresh Fillets	Pat dry, then apply Trader Joe’s salmon rub	3 minutes
Frozen Fillets	Season the top (no thawing needed)	5 minutes

To prepare this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe, start by placing the salmon skin-side down on the trivet inside your Instant Pot. Sprinkle the rub evenly across the top, close the lid, and pressure cook based on the condition of your fish—3 minutes if fresh, 5 if frozen. There’s no need to thaw or babysit the pot.

Why This Recipe Saves Time Without Sacrificing Flavor

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe makes weeknight cooking faster, healthier, and far more flavorful.You don’t have to defrost anything, marinate for hours, or use multiple pans. Just a few pantry staples and a pressure cooker are all it takes to enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner in under 20 minutes.

Keeping frozen salmon on hand also makes it easier to stick to a healthy meal plan. With Trader Joe’s salmon rub and this Instant Pot method, you’re always ready to create a flavorful dish—even when your fridge is nearly empty.

Instant Pot Cooking Basics for Fish Lovers

Why This Cooking Method Works for Salmon

The salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is popular for a reason—it’s fast, consistent, and easy for any home cook. The Instant Pot uses steam and pressure to cook salmon evenly while locking in moisture. No flipping, no guesswork, and no drying out.

Why it works:

• Steams the salmon gently from all sides
• Fresh fillets cook in just 3 minutes
• Frozen fillets take only 5 minutes
• One-pot method = minimal cleanup

Trader Joe’s salmon rub brings bold flavor, and the Instant Pot helps it penetrate the fish without long marination.

How to Cook Salmon in the Instant Pot

Follow these quick steps to get perfectly seasoned salmon every time:

1. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert, then position the metal trivet so it’s ready to hold your salmon above the liquid for even steaming.
2. Place salmon skin-side down on the trivet.
3. Sprinkle Trader Joe’s rub generously on top.
4. Pressure cook on high:
   • 3 minutes for fresh
   • 5 minutes for frozen
5. Quick release when done and serve immediately.

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is the perfect blend of flavor and speed—ideal for nights when you want a great meal with zero stress.

Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub Instant Pot Recipe

What You’ll Need

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe keeps things fast and simple. You’ll need:

• 1 lb wild-caught salmon (fresh or frozen, skin-on)
• 1 tbsp Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub
• 1 cup water
• Optional: lemon slices, olive oil, or fresh herbs for garnish

Quick Instructions

1. Prep the Pot
   Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside.
2. Add the Salmon
   Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the trivet. Coat the top with Trader Joe’s salmon rub. No need to thaw if frozen.
3. Pressure Cook
   Seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure:
   • 3 minutes for fresh
   • 5 minutes for frozen
4. Release and Serve
   Do a quick pressure release. Remove the salmon carefully, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is the kind of meal you can count on: flavorful, low-effort, and done in minutes—no marinating, no mess, just solid weeknight results.

Add-On Options—Veggies, Sauces & Garnishes

Easy Vegetables to Pair in the Same Pot

One of the perks of this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is how easily you can add vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. Just a quick timing adjustment makes it work.

How to Cook Veggies with Salmon Without Overcooking

To avoid mushy vegetables, try this method:

1. Cook the salmon on high pressure for 1 minute, then do a quick release.
2. Open the lid, place chopped vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans on top.
3. Reseal and cook for 0 minutes—yes, zero.
4. Quick release again and serve everything together.

This keeps the salmon tender and the veggies crisp—not soggy.

Simple Sauces to Elevate Flavor

Though the rub is flavorful on its own, pairing your salmon with a quick sauce takes things up a notch.

Top Sauce Ideas:

• Honey Dijon – Sweet and tangy; perfect contrast with smoky rub
• Lemon herb yogurt – Cool, creamy, and refreshing
• Garlic butter – Adds richness with minimal prep
• Sriracha mayo – For a spicy twist

You can drizzle sauces over the finished dish or serve them on the side for dipping.

Finishing Touches That Make It Complete

• Fresh lemon slices – Add brightness after pressure cooking
• Chopped parsley or dill – For color and light herbal notes
• Olive oil drizzle – Helps carry the flavor and add shine

These small additions bring out the best in the dish and round out your salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon in the Instant Pot

Retains Nutrients Better Than Traditional Cooking

Using a pressure cooker to make your salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe doesn’t just save time—it preserves the health benefits of salmon too. Steam pressure locks in nutrients like:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Help maintain cardiovascular function and may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive wellness.
• B vitamins – Aid in cellular energy production and contribute to a healthy nervous system while supporting inflammation balance.
• High-quality protein – Builds and repairs muscle with fewer calories

Unlike pan-frying or baking, the Instant Pot uses moist heat to cook fish quickly without added oils or drying it out.

Why It’s a Smarter, Cleaner Option

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe fits well into a clean-eating lifestyle:

• Low mess – One pot means fewer dishes
• No oil splatters – Safer and neater than stove-top cooking
• Less odor – Traps fish smells inside the pot
• Easy portion control – Cook exactly what you need

The pressure cooker also reduces cook time significantly, so even frozen salmon can go from freezer to fork in under 15 minutes.

How to Store and Reuse Leftovers

Saving Extras from Your Instant Pot Salmon

Once your salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is ready, you might have a portion or two left over. Storing it the right way keeps the flavor and texture fresh for another meal.

• Cool the fish, then place it in a sealed container
• Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture.
• For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for about 6–8 weeks

Warming It Up Without Losing Flavor

Reheat gently to keep the salmon moist:

• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at a low temp (around 275°F)
• Microwave: Use low power in short bursts, covered loosely

Skip high heat—it dries the fish out and dulls the seasoning.

What to Do With Leftover Salmon

Use leftover salmon in simple meals like:

• Grain bowls with rice or quinoa
• Sandwiches or wraps with greens
• Tossed into a salad with a light vinaigrette
• Mixed with pasta, olive oil, and herbs

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe makes delicious leftovers that are easy to repurpose.

Fun Variations—Try the Rub on Chicken, Tofu & More

More Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is just the beginning. The spice blend works on more than just fish—and it’s a smart way to stretch one product across multiple meals.

1. Chicken with Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub

The blend’s mix of smoky, sweet, and savory notes complements chicken beautifully.

• Use it on chicken breasts or thighs
• Add a light drizzle of oil, coat with rub
• Cook in the Instant Pot, oven, or air fryer

Result: Juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort.

2. Tofu or Tempeh for a Vegetarian Twist

Craving a meatless version of your go-to salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe? Try this easy tofu twist.

• Press tofu to remove moisture
• Coat evenly with the rub
• Sear or bake until golden

The dry rub forms a light crust and adds a smoky, peppery finish.

3. Quick Flavor Upgrades for Sides

You can also sprinkle the rub on:

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled vegetables
• Air-fried chickpeas
• Rice bowls or couscous

It’s a fast way to create flavor harmony across your plate.

Why This Works

The reason this seasoning works across proteins and veggies is its perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and herbs.

• Paprika for warmth
• Brown sugar for a slight glaze
• Herbs and pepper for balance

That’s why your salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe works on proteins, grains, and even veggies.

Conclusion: Make Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub a Weekly Staple

This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe brings together convenience, flavor, and flexibility—all in one pot. With just a few simple ingredients and under 20 minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality salmon right at home.

Whether you’re cooking for one or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to customize and perfect for pairing with veggies, grains, or sauces. And with the rub working just as well on chicken, tofu, or sweet potatoes, it’s a pantry staple worth keeping.

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