Description
Delightful lemon orzo skillet salmon brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Zesty citrus notes and perfectly seared salmon create a light, fresh meal you’ll savor in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on)
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a skillet with olive oil, heating it to medium-high temperature for salmon searing.
- Generously season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in the hot skillet.
- Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer salmon to a separate plate, keeping it warm while preparing the remaining dish.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds.
- Add orzo to the skillet, gently toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a fragrant cooking liquid.
- Simmer orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and creamy consistency.
- Carefully return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them atop the tender orzo.
- Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly grated lemon zest and chopped parsley over the salmon and orzo.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting a beautifully composed one-skillet meal.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best taste and nutrition.
- Toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning throughout the dish.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg