Salmon Orzo Recipe
Salmon Orzo Recipe
Table of Contents
Salmon Orzo Recipe
This Salmon Orzo Recipe is the perfect dish for those seeking a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Combining perfectly seared salmon with tender orzo pasta, this recipe incorporates Mediterranean ingredients like fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a delightful balance of flavors. With its light and refreshing taste, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for special occasions.
Description:
If you’re searching for a satisfying yet simple seafood recipe, this Salmon Orzo Recipe is a must-try. The dish features moist, flaky salmon paired with al dente orzo pasta, creating the perfect blend of textures. Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, is the ideal choice to complement the rich flavor of salmon. Paired with a zesty lemon and herb sauce, this dish brings together the best of Mediterranean cuisine in a one-pan meal.
This Salmon Orzo recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it heart-healthy, while orzo provides a good source of carbohydrates. The combination of fresh ingredients like garlic, lemon, and parsley adds antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
In this Salmon Orzo Recipe, the salmon is seared to perfection, ensuring a crispy skin and tender flesh, while the orzo is cooked in a savory broth for added flavor. The sauce, made with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, infuses the pasta and salmon with a bright, Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for a healthy, quick dinner idea, this Salmon Orzo recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or seasonings. If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end for extra richness. The recipe is also great for meal prep—simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing dinner for the whole family, this Salmon Orzo Recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and comes together in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the oil and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a little more broth or water during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Add Lemon and Herbs:
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness, stirring until melted and combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Gently break the cooked salmon fillets into large chunks and add them to the skillet with the orzo. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the salmon and orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh dill and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes:
- Salmon Cooking Tip: For perfectly cooked salmon, make sure the skin is crispy by cooking it skin-side down first. This method allows the fat to render and ensures the fish stays moist.
- For Extra Flavor: If you like a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the sauce or even a splash of white wine to the skillet after searing the salmon for an additional depth of flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the dish. They pair well with the salmon and add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Meal Prep: This Salmon Orzo Recipe is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Salmon Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill optional, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for finishing
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the oil and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a little more broth or water during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness, stirring until melted and combined.
- Gently break the cooked salmon fillets into large chunks and add them to the skillet with the orzo. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the salmon and orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh dill and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Salmon Cooking Tip: For perfectly cooked salmon, make sure the skin is crispy by cooking it skin-side down first. This method allows the fat to render and ensures the fish stays moist.
- For Extra Flavor: If you like a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the sauce or even a splash of white wine to the skillet after searing the salmon for an additional depth of flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the dish. They pair well with the salmon and add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Meal Prep: This Salmon Orzo Recipe is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
