Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful one skillet meal featuring crispy skin salmon paired with bright lemon-infused orzo. This easy recipe delivers tender salmon, creamy orzo, and fresh herbs all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Start the Orzo: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute. Add the orzo and toast it lightly by stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Plate: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them on top of the cooked orzo. Cover and let the flavors meld for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese over everything before serving.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon for a crispy texture and better moisture retention.
- Do not overcook the salmon; it should flake easily and remain moist inside.
- Lightly toast the orzo before cooking to add subtle nuttiness.
- Use just enough broth to achieve a creamy texture without making the dish soupy.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice significantly enhance the flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one skillet salmon, lemon orzo, quick dinner, healthy salmon recipe, easy weeknight meal, skillet pasta, lemon salmon