One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant and easy-to-make meal that combines perfectly seared salmon with creamy, zesty lemon-infused orzo pasta all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner offering a balance of protein, tangy freshness, and comforting carbs with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving to achieve a crispy skin. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Orzo: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Add orzo pasta and stir to coat the grains in oil and garlic flavors.
- Add Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish the Orzo: Stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley to the orzo. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, stirring everything together until creamy and well combined.
- Combine Salmon and Orzo: Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the lemon orzo. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook on low heat for an additional 2 minutes to reheat salmon and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Carefully plate the salmon with a generous serving of lemon orzo, garnishing with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets for best texture and flavor.
- Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness, but adjust seasoning according to taste.
- If preferred, substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Optional: add a handful of baby spinach or peas into the orzo during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
