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Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf

Name: Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 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), fully thawed, skin removed; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs

By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 | Updated Oct 17, 2026

Mediterranean-Inspired 60 mins instantpotpescatarianquickonepotglutenfreedairyfreemealpreptimessaverlightleftovers

Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf is a practical PanPotPlates recipe built for dependable weeknight cooking. Estimated timing (not kitchen-tested): preparation 15 minutes; cooking 15 minutes; additional elapsed time 30 minutes; total about 60 minutes. Additional time includes about 15 minutes to reach pressure plus the release and resting stages; your cooker may take longer. Additional time includes the relevant cooling, chilling, soaking, marinating or resting stages. Cooling varies with room temperature and portion size. Times are planning estimates based on the instructions. Follow the stated doneness and temperature checks, and extend cooking or cooling as needed.

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Total 60 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), fully thawed, 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; this is an initial cooking phase, not a guarantee of doneness.
Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid cautiously after pressure has fully released. Check the thickest part of each cod fillet reaches 145 F (63 C) and the quinoa is tender. If needed, finish gently with the lid off on Saute, adding broth as needed to prevent scorching; remove fish as it reaches temperature and continue cooking the quinoa if necessary. Fluff gently before serving.
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.

Timing and preparation

Start with fully thawed cod. Follow your pressure cooker manufacturer minimum liquid and fill requirements; do not run the cooker if this recipe does not meet them. Pressure build-up, sauteing, release and any finishing are additional to the 4-minute pressure phase.

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Instant Pot Pescatarian Lemon Herb Cod and Quinoa Pilaf

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions