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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant and delicious dish ready to be served.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of flaky salmon, creamy lemon orzo, and fresh herbs makes for an impressive and delicious dish with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, for juice and zest
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes
  • Optional: Spinach
  • Optional: Asparagus
  • Optional: Peas

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Lemon zester
  • Lemon juicer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally.
  6. Stir in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and half of the fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional veggies.
  7. Gently nestle the salmon fillets into the orzo, skin-side up (if using skin-on fillets).
  8. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

For crispier salmon skin, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor. Toasting the orzo helps develop its flavor. You can prep the orzo ahead of time. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet. Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add some greens like kale or Swiss chard. For a vegetarian option, substitute salmon with grilled halloumi or roasted tofu. You can use orange or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different flavor profile. Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese for extra creaminess.