One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a delightful and refreshing meal that brings together tender, flaky salmon with bright, zesty lemon orzo in a single pan. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet without the fuss.

A Family Favorite: Why We Love One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

In our household, this dish has quickly become a weeknight staple. My husband, who is usually not a fan of fish, absolutely loves how the salmon turns out perfectly cooked every time. The orzo, infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, adds a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. The kids enjoy it too, especially when I let them squeeze the lemon over the dish before serving. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with anticipation and leaves us all feeling satisfied and happy. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in just one skillet means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!

Why You’ll Love One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• One-Pan Wonder: This entire meal is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Bright and Fresh Flavors: The lemon orzo is zesty and refreshing, perfectly complementing the rich, tender salmon.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the salmon, plus the light and nutritious orzo, it’s a well-balanced meal.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild flavors and tender textures in this dish.

Ingredients Notes For One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon is ideal for the best flavor, but farmed salmon works well too.
• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the lemony flavors beautifully.
• Lemon: Use both the juice and zest for maximum citrusy brightness.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the dish; freshly minced is best.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances the flavor of the orzo as it cooks.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or dill works wonderfully as a garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Recipe Steps for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the salmon, skin side down, for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the orzo and stir to coat with the garlic and oil. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook the orzo until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out.
• Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

• Herbs: Swap parsley for dill, basil, or chives for different flavor profiles.
• Pasta: Substitute orzo with couscous, quinoa, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetables: Add in some spinach or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 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

• Cook the Salmon
• Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the fillets.
• Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown crust. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice during the last minute of cooking. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
• Prepare the Lemon Orzo
• Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Finish the Orzo: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve
• Combine: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them on top of the orzo. Allow them to reheat slightly in the warm orzo.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve the salmon and lemon orzo hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.