Description
Succulent One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort right to your dinner table. Quick elegance meets wholesome ingredients, creating a seamless meal perfect for weeknight dining that promises delightful flavors you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each), skin on or off
Grains and Pasta:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Liquids and Broths:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Citrus:
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
Instructions
- Meticulously dry salmon fillets using paper towels, then generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully place salmon skin-side down, allowing it to sear for 4-5 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Flip and cook opposite side, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Within the same skillet, introduce remaining olive oil. Introduce minced garlic, diced onion, and fresh thyme, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrant essence and onions become translucent.
- Incorporate orzo, gently toasting the grains to develop a rich, nutty profile. Pour chicken broth, water, lemon zest, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Elevate heat to initiate boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Allow orzo to absorb liquid and tenderize, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Continue cooking approximately 8-10 minutes until grains reach perfect consistency.
- Fold fresh spinach into the mixture, introducing lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts smoothly.
- Gracefully reintroduce seared salmon into the skillet, nestling it atop the creamy orzo. Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately while flavors remain vibrant and warm.
Notes
- Pat salmon thoroughly to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming, removing excess moisture helps achieve perfect sear.
- Use high-quality fresh salmon for best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught varieties with rich omega-3 content.
- Choose quick-cooking orzo to maintain ideal consistency and prevent overcooking, ensuring creamy yet al dente texture.
- For gluten-free alternative, substitute orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice, maintaining similar cooking technique and liquid ratios.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg