One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
A delightful and flavorful dish combining succulent salmon fillets with zesty lemon orzo infused with garlic and spinach, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 pieces skinless salmon fillets Make sure they are fresh.
- 1 tsp salt Divided use.
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper Divided use.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Orzo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach Washed and ready to use.
- ½ medium lemon, juiced About half a lemon.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan Freshly grated for best flavor.
For Serving
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- to taste chili flakes Optional, for added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick pan or skillet.
- Add salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered while stirring occasionally until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add spinach, stir, and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Adjust with more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
- Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use fresh salmon and low-sodium chicken broth. Customize the seasoning to your taste and pair with a green salad for a more rounded meal.