This Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a tasty, quick meal that brings the goodness of salmon and zesty lemon together. It’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
I love how the creamy orzo hugs each piece of salmon. Plus, it’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy nights when you just want something delicious and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Salmon fillets are the star of the dish. Fresh is best, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw it completely. For a budget-friendly option, consider using canned salmon.
Orzo: This small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with the creamy sauce. If you can’t find orzo, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream if you prefer. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, noting that it will change the flavor slightly.
Lemon: The lemon zest and juice provide a fresh tangy flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch, but fresh is always best for taste.
How Do I Get the Salmon Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to help. You want a nice crust on the outside while keeping it tender inside.
- Start by bringing the salmon to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. It helps them cook evenly.
- Using medium-high heat helps achieve a crispy exterior. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
- Fillets will cook through quickly, about 3-4 minutes on the first side and 2-3 minutes after flipping. A little pink in the center is okay; it will continue to cook after removing from heat.
With these tips, your salmon should be delightful and juicy every time!
Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the salmon, and then about 15-20 minutes cooking the orzo and bringing everything together. Perfect for a quick yet delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Begin by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential for adding flavor to the fish.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Cook the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and onion mixture, ensuring the orzo is slightly toasted.
6. Add Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Make it Creamy:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Combine Salmon and Orzo:
Gently nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the creamy orzo. Allow it to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve your delicious one skillet salmon with lemon orzo immediately and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping the onion and garlic or seasoning the salmon. However, it’s best to cook the dish fresh for the best flavor and texture. If needed, you can cook the orzo and salmon separately and combine them just before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, as different pastas may require varying cook times.
