Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant and easy-to-make meal combining tender, perfectly seared salmon with zesty, creamy lemon orzo cooked all in one pan. Ideal for busy weeknights, this healthy dish boasts bright flavors, minimal cleanup, and is loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lemon Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon dry and evenly rub the seasoning mixture over each fillet to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice during the last minute of cooking, then remove the salmon to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add unsalted butter to the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir orzo into the butter and garlic, coating the pasta well. Pour in chicken broth and water, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
- Finish the Orzo: Remove the lid and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the orzo becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Nestle the cooked salmon fillets back on top of the orzo in the skillet. Allow to warm slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with optional extra lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Notes
- Use fresh wild-caught salmon for best flavor, or farmed salmon as a suitable alternative.
- Orzo can be substituted with couscous, quinoa, or rice for gluten-free variations.
- Add vegetables like spinach or asparagus during the last minutes of cooking the orzo for added nutrition.
- For a spicy twist, sprinkle red pepper flakes with the seasoning mix.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
- Freezing is possible up to 1 month but best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: One Skillet Salmon, Lemon Orzo, Easy Dinner, Quick Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon, Family Meal, Weeknight Dinner, One Pan Meal
