Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. Fresh salmon fillets cooked to perfection in a tangy lemon orzo. Quick, delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each), skin-on
- 1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
- 3 cups (710ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the salmon fillets generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside to come to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once shimmering, add the shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice (reserve the zest for later), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: When the orzo is about halfway cooked (around 5 minutes in), heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Carefully transfer the salmon, skin-side up, onto the bed of simmering orzo. Cover and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the orzo is tender.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and gently stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and half of the fresh herbs. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 8: Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to plates, garnishing with remaining fresh herbs, an extra squeeze of lemon, and red pepper flakes if desired. Your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is ready to impress!
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with orzo
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 115mg