This tasty One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Easy Orzo is perfect for busy nights! The salmon is juicy and zesty, while the orzo adds a nice twist. Everything cooks in one skillet for a quick clean-up!
I love how the lemon brightens up the dish! Plus, it’s a hit with the family. Serve it with a side of veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal that looks fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is key for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use trout or even chicken breast if needed. Both cook well and take on the flavors nicely!
Orzo: This tiny pasta is perfect because it soaks up flavors well. You could substitute with other small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice touch of color and nutrition. If you don’t have spinach, look for kale or other leafy greens. Just make sure to chop them a bit if they’re tough.
Broth: Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth adds depth. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great choice. You can also use water, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Salmon in One Skillet?
Cooking salmon perfectly is all about timing and the right heat. Start by searing the salmon skin side down (if it has skin) on medium-high heat with olive oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip it and reduce the heat slightly.
- Monitor the salmon closely, as it cooks quickly.
- Remove it from the skillet when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly pink inside.
- Let it rest a minute before adding it back to the orzo. This will keep it juicy!
One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Easy Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo Mixture:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Give them a nice coating for flavor!
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and just cooked through. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
4. Toast the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it for 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly and letting it soak up those great flavors.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Mix in the Flavors:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the butter melts and everything is combined perfectly.
7. Add the Spinach:
Fold in the fresh spinach leaves and let them cook until they’re wilted, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Feel free to add a touch more broth if it looks dry!
8. Combine Everything:
Now, nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the salmon heats through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Serve it warm and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful, creamy, and zesty One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Easy Orzo!
FAQ for One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Easy Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge, or you can place sealed salmon under cold running water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry well before seasoning and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking times according to the pasta or grain you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the orzo and salmon in advance. Cook everything as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
