Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe combines succulent salmon fillets with tender orzo pasta infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, all cooked effortlessly in a single skillet. It’s a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights, providing a delightful balance of protein and citrusy pasta in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet and stir, toasting it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add broth and cook orzo: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the orzo for about 10 minutes until tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Incorporate lemon: Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon to add bright citrus flavor to the orzo.
- Cook salmon: Push the orzo to one side of the skillet and place the 2 salmon fillets skin-side down in the empty space. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Season and garnish: Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For crispy salmon skin, avoid moving the fillets during cooking until ready to flip or remove.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance color and flavor.
