This Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a tasty and quick meal perfect for busy nights! You get juicy salmon and zesty orzo all in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking!
Orzo: This tiny pasta is perfect for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, you can easily substitute with rice or quinoa. They will change the texture a bit but will still taste great!
Spinach: I love fresh baby spinach for its mild flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it with kale or even frozen spinach. If using frozen, remember to thaw and drain excess moisture.
Parmesan cheese: Feel free to skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or use nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor. Pecorino Romano also works if you want a bolder flavor.
How Do I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great salmon is to cook it gently and avoid overcooking. Start by patting the salmon dry, which helps achieve a nice sear. Here’s what to do:
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering, and then add the salmon. Don’t move it around too much – let it sear for a few minutes.
- Flip the salmon carefully to cook evenly on both sides. Removing it while still slightly undercooked will ensure it remains moist and tender!
- After combining it with the orzo, cover it to let steam finish cooking the salmon. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick but satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets carefully. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes or until browned and cooked partly through, then flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry; it will finish cooking later!
3. Cook the Garlic and Orzo:
Lower the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that delicious garlic aroma. Then, add the uncooked orzo pasta and stir well to coat it in the oil and garlic.
4. Add Liquid and Cook:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat and cover the skillet, letting it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add Spinach:
After the orzo is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the fresh baby spinach and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
6. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the orzo mix! Cover the skillet again and allow everything to cook on low for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will finish cooking the salmon and meld all the wonderful flavors together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Dish out warm, spooning that creamy lemon orzo next to each salmon fillet!
Enjoy your delightful and refreshing One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo! It’s delicious and easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat the fillets dry to get a nice sear.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with rice or quinoa. Adjust the cooking time if needed since rice usually takes longer to cook than orzo. Just make sure to use enough liquid for whatever grain you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the garlic to soften them up before adding the orzo.
