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Three salmon filets on an oval platter in a soy caramel sauce, topped with cilantro and scallions.
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4.62 / 13 votes

Pressure Cooker Vietnamese Caramel Salmon

Whether you use an Instant Pot or your old stove top mode pressure cooker, you won't regret making this Vietnamese caramel salmon. It comes together in minutes--minutes!--and is rich with Asian flavors.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 352

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, or 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • finely grated zest of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons)
  • juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 (6-to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, preferably center-cut pieces
  • sliced scallions, (white and light green parts), for garnish
  • fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  • In your pressure cooker or Instant Pot, whisk together the 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger, finely grated zest of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons), juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon), and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Use the sauté function to bring to a simmer and then turn off the heat.
  • Place the 4 (6-to 8-ounce) salmon fillets in the pressure cooker, skin-side up (if there is skin still attached, that is). Spoon the sauce over the fish, cover, and cook on low pressure for 1 minute. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes; then release the remaining pressure manually. Check the fish for doneness by cutting into a fillet. If you prefer your salmon more well-done, cook it for another minute or so using the sauté function.
  • Carefully lift the salmon fillets onto a serving platter, flipping them over so the browned caramelized side is facing up. (The fillets may fall apart a little as you lift them out. That's okay. They'll still taste ridiculously lovely.)
  • Use the sauté function to reduce the sauce until it’s thick and syrupy, about 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and garnish it with the sliced scallions and fresh cilantro leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1517mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g