What cookware works best?

Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

Back to Recipes

Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf

Name: Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large carrot, grated; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 cod fillets (about 4-5 ounces each), skin removed; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 · Updated May 6, 2026

Mediterranean-Inspired 25 mins instantpotpescatarianhealthyquickonepotfamily-friendlyglutenfreedairyfreemealpreptimessaverlightleftovers

Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf is a practical PanPotPlates recipe built for dependable weeknight cooking.

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot, grated
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cod fillets (about 4-5 ounces each), skin removed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and diced zucchini; sauté for another 2 minutes until softened.
Stir in the rinsed quinoa, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir gently to combine ingredients evenly.
Arrange the cod fillets on top of the quinoa mixture, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle chopped parsley and dill over the fish.
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the sealing position.
Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes to perfectly cook quinoa and gently steam the cod.
Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid cautiously and gently fluff the quinoa around the fish with a fork, being careful not to break the fillets.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and additional fresh herbs if desired.

Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is designed specifically for the Instant Pot , a versatile electric pressure cooker combining sautéing and pressure cooking in one device.

Cookware Size Guidance

For best results with this Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf, use a 6-quart Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker.

Cookware Swap Guidance

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

If you want to customize this vibrant, healthy Instant Pot recipe, consider these ingredient substitutions that maintain flavor and dietary goals:

Cod Fillets: Substitute with similar mild white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia for comparable texture and taste.
Quinoa: Replace with brown rice or gluten-free couscous, adjusting cooking times accordingly for even doneness.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth or water with lemon juice as alternatives, preserving moisture and zing.
Carrot and Zucchini: Swap for seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus tips, or frozen peas to add variety.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Dill): Try fresh cilantro, basil, or tarragon to introduce different Mediterranean-inspired notes.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil as dairy-free healthy fat alternatives.

These options retain the recipe’s quick, family-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free profile while allowing you to tailor flavors and ingredients to your pantry and preference.

Storage and Reheating

Cool Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions