Flavor-Packed Comfort: Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s b Instant Pot Recipe
One of my favorite weeknight meals that never fails to impress is this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe. Inspired by my grandmother’s philosophy of simplicity in cooking, this dish brings together modern convenience with robust flavor. Whether it’s a cozy winter dinner or a light summer meal, this recipe is perfect year-round.
My pantry is never without Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub. Smoky, slightly sweet, with just the right kick—it’s the secret to making an ordinary salmon dish extraordinary. And with the Instant Pot, this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot Recipe
- Fast & Effortless: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub infuses the salmon with complex flavor.
- Healthy Choice: High in protein, rich in Omega-3s, and low in carbs.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Works beautifully for both summer and winter menus.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 6 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Instant Pot Broth
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Kitchen Tools
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Microplane or garlic press
How to Make This Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Dry salmon fillets thoroughly. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub onto each fillet, then coat generously with Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Sear for Depth
Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and heat 1 tbsp oil. Sear salmon skin-side down for 2 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Base
Add broth, garlic, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Place the trivet in the pot, then lay the salmon fillets on top.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the rest.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve the salmon hot, with the juices spooned over the top. This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Serving Suggestions
Summer:
- Quinoa with mango and arugula
- Chilled cucumber salad
- Lemon iced tea or chilled white wine
Winter:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Sautéed kale with garlic
- Warm apple cider or a buttery Chardonnay
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Freeze if needed, though fresh is best.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 3g
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Tips to Perfect Your Salmon Rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot Recipe
- Use skin-on salmon to maintain shape during pressure cooking.
- Don’t skip the sear—it builds flavor and seals in moisture.
- Deglaze the pot after searing to avoid burn warnings.
Read more : https://chefnip.com/irish-instant-pot-recipes-cookbook/
Variations of This Recipe
- Add veggies: Place carrots or green beans under the trivet.
- Change the base: Use miso broth for an umami punch.
- Boost the spice: Add a dash of cayenne or chili oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s in Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub seasoning?
It’s made of brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, rice concentrate (an anti‑caking agent), and dried thyme
2. Can I cook salmon rub–seasoned salmon in the Instant Pot?
Yes! If you rub the salmon in oil and sprinkle the seasoning before pressure‑cooking, it works well—with about 3 min for fresh and ~5 min for frozen, then natural release
3. Should I defrost salmon first or cook from frozen?
You can cook from frozen—simply add 2 extra minutes of pressure cooking time, i.e., 5 min for frozen vs. 3 min for fresh
4. Can I season other fish or proteins with this rub?
Absolutely! Though designed for salmon, the rub is often used on chicken, pork, veggies—even eggs
5. What substitutions or swaps work with the rub?
If you don’t have the jar, you can DIY: combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Rice concentrate is optional—its only role is as an anti‑caking agent
6. How should I store/serve Instant‑Pot salmon with this seasoning?
Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. You can freeze individual seasoned portions before cooking, though texture may be slightly altered
Seasonal Spin: Why This Dish Works Year-Round
One of the best things about this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe is how adaptable it is. The ingredients are pantry staples, the method is season-agnostic, and the flavors can lean warm or refreshing depending on the season.
In Summer:
- Pair it with light sides like grilled zucchini, heirloom tomato salad, or citrusy couscous.
- Swap the lemon for orange or lime to brighten the flavor further.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature over a bed of greens for a salmon salad.
In Winter:
- Embrace heartiness with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or herbed wild rice.
- Enhance the warming notes by adding ground cumin or a cinnamon stick to the broth.
- Serve it piping hot with warm crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.
A Bit About Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub
Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub has become something of a cult favorite—and for good reason. Its main components include:
- Brown sugar for sweetness
- Smoked paprika for depth
- Black pepper and salt for balance
- Dried herbs for a subtle savory finish
Together, these ingredients turn a simple fillet into a restaurant-worthy entrée. This rub isn’t just for fish either—try it on tofu, chicken, or roasted veggies.
Why Use the Instant Pot?
Using the Instant Pot for this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe offers several benefits:
- Speed: Cooks in 4 minutes under pressure.
- Moisture Lock: Pressure cooking locks in moisture and prevents dryness.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot means less mess.
- Perfect Texture: Gentle steaming creates flaky, tender salmon.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot, this is a fantastic beginner recipe that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Wine Pairings and Beverage Ideas
Pairing beverages with salmon enhances the dining experience. Here are a few ideas based on seasonal preferences:
Summer Sips:
- Dry Rosé: Light and fruity, it complements the smoky rub.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and citrusy for contrast.
- Iced Green Tea: Refreshing and non-alcoholic option.
Winter Warmers:
- Chardonnay: Buttery richness pairs with the savory rub.
- Pinot Noir: Earthy enough to handle smoky notes.
- Ginger Honey Tea: Cozy, soothing, and palate-cleansing.
Health Benefits of Salmon
This salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly nutritious:
- High in Omega-3s: Supports heart and brain health.
- Excellent Protein Source: Helps build and repair tissue.
- Rich in Vitamins B12 and D: Supports energy and immune function.
- Anti-inflammatory: Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the body.
For those watching sodium or sugar intake, you can modify the rub slightly or use less soy sauce.
Make It a Meal: Full Menu Inspiration
Here’s how you can build a complete meal around this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe:
Summer Dinner Party:
- Appetizer: Watermelon feta skewers
- Main: Trader Joe’s salmon rub salmon
- Side: Corn and avocado salad
- Dessert: Lemon sorbet with mint
- Drink: Sparkling elderflower lemonade
Cozy Winter Night:
- Appetizer: Butternut squash soup
- Main: Instant Pot salmon with roasted root vegetables
- Side: Garlic mashed cauliflower
- Dessert: Apple crisp with cinnamon cream
- Drink: Warm chai latte
Reader Interaction
Have you tried this salmon rub Trader Joe’s Instant Pot recipe yet? What did you serve it with? Let us know in the comments! Share your photos and tweaks—we love seeing your creations.
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