15-Minute Lemon Butter Trout (Instant Pot)

Dinner, Seafood

March 12, 2026

Looking for a dinner that’s lightning-fast, incredibly elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor? This Instant Pot Saucy Trout with Chives is your answer! In just 15 minutes, you can have perfectly steamed, flaky trout fillets drizzled with a luscious lemon-chive butter sauce. It’s the kind of healthy, impressive meal that makes any weeknight feel special.

Ingredients

• 4 Trout Fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
• 1 ½ cups / 355 ml Water
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 6 tbsp / 85g Butter, unsalted
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest
• 3 tbsp Chives, freshly chopped
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Directions
2. Pour the water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place the trivet or steamer basket inside.
3. Pat the trout fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets in a single layer on the steamer basket.
4. Secure the lid, set the steam valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes. Once finished, perform a quick release of the pressure.
5. Carefully remove the trout fillets and the steamer basket. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Discard the water from the inner pot and wipe it dry.
6. Select the ‘SAUTE’ function on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and butter to the pot. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped chives.
7. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Pour the hot lemon-chive butter sauce over the trout fillets. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 6g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Pro Tips

• Pat the trout fillets completely dry with a paper towel before steaming. This helps the seasoning adhere better and results in a flakier, less watery texture.
• For an even richer sauce, use high-quality European-style butter, which has a higher fat content.
• Don’t overcook the fish! Trout cooks very quickly. The fillets are done when they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Serve this dish immediately with steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different fish for this Instant Pot recipe
A: Yes, you can substitute trout with other similar flaky fish like salmon, cod, or tilapia. You may need to adjust the pressure cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Q: What should I serve with this saucy trout
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad to create a complete and balanced meal.

Q: Can I use frozen trout fillets
A: For the best results and texture, it is highly recommended to thaw frozen trout fillets completely before cooking. Thawing ensures the fish cooks evenly in the short time required.

Q: How do I know when the trout is perfectly cooked
A: The trout is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

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