Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo Recipe

Experience a bold fusion of flavors with a Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet that delivers perfectly seared salmon enveloped in tangy lemon and garlic infused orzo. Fresh cherry tomatoes and parsley enhance this dish, inviting families and friends to gather around for an elegant fish dinner that transforms ordinary nights into memorable celebrations.

I’m excited to share my take on this Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo recipe. It’s a Mediterranean inspired healthy dinner that really surprised me with its bold flavors and simplicity.

I start by seasoning 4 salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper before searing them in olive oil until they’re just crispy on the outside and tender inside. Meanwhile, I cook 1 cup of orzo in 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth and mix in the zest and juice of one lemon along with 2 minced garlic cloves and a tablespoon of butter.

I finish the dish by tossing in fresh parsley and, if you’re up for it, some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. It’s like a modern twist on classic Mediterranean recipes that brings together a satisfying fish dinner with a creamy, zesty orzo skillet meal that you’ll definitely want to try.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I like how the lemon and garlic really give the dish a fresh, tangy flavor that totally wakes up my taste buds.
2. I love that it’s a one-skillet meal which makes cleanup so easy and less of a hassle after a long day.
3. I really enjoy the contrast between the crispy skin on the salmon and the soft, flavorful orzo that soaks up all the yummy juices.
4. I appreciate that it’s a healthy meal that fits perfectly into my Mediterranean diet while still tasting amazing.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Rich in protein and omega-3, they help keep your heart happy and stronger.
• Orzo pasta: Light carbohydrates supply energy while delivering a comforting, classic texture for the dish.
• Lemon: Its vibrant tangy juice and zesty zest elevates the dish, enriching every bite.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that makes the sear extra flavorful and amazingly satisfying.
• Garlic: This little ingredient packs a punch and infuses warm, inviting flavor in every bite.
• Fresh parsley: Adds herbaceous brightness and extra vitamins, finishing the dish with a fresh spark.
• Optional cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of juicy sweetness balancing savory and tangy notes.
• Butter: Brings a rich creaminess that elevates flavors with a smooth, delightful finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or veggie broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

How to Make this

1. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for about 4 minutes until the skin gets crispy.

3. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes, then carefully remove them from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and butter. Let it cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom.

5. Pour in the broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it gets all the lemony, garlicky flavors, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

7. If you like, add the halved cherry tomatoes now and let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until nearly tender.

8. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo, and cover the pan. Let everything cook together for an extra 4 minutes so the salmon finishes cooking and the orzo absorbs the flavors.

9. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired seared salmon with lemon orzo!

Equipment Needed

1. Large non-stick skillet with a lid
2. Spatula for flipping and serving
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Citrus reamer and zester (or a microplane)
7. Wooden spoon for stirring

FAQ

Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t get salmon fillets, try using trout or cod fillets which cook similarly.
• If you’re short on chicken broth, using a low sodium veggie broth works just as great.
• In place of orzo pasta, you could use rice or even quinoa if you want to mix things up a bit.
• Instead of a lemon, a lime can do the trick if it’s all you have.
• If olive oil is scarce, a mild canola oil is a decent alternative.

Pro Tips

• If you’re searing the salmon, make sure you dont overcrowd the pan, or you risk steaming instead of crisping the skin up right

• When you add the garlic and butter, be sure to stir and scrape the bottom so you get all those tasty bits, they really boost the flavor

• Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks since stirring frequently helps prevent it from sticking or burning in the pan

• After putting the salmon back in, cover the pan for a few minutes so all the flavours have time to blend together, it makes a big difference in taste