This tasty one-skillet meal features flaky salmon and zesty lemon orzo. It’s healthy, quick, and perfect for busy nights when you want something good without fuss!
Your kitchen will smell amazing as you cook! I love how everything comes together in one pan—easy cleanup for the win! Just cook the salmon, stir in the orzo, and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this dish, giving you rich flavor and great texture. If you’re in a pinch, try using frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly, making it perfect here. You can swap it with other small pasta shapes like farro, quinoa, or even brown rice if you prefer a whole grain option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well for cooking at high heat. You could use butter for flavor, but it can burn faster.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and gives this dish a vibrant color. If you don’t have fresh, frozen spinach will work too. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Sear on Salmon?
Searing salmon correctly is key to getting a crispy skin and tender flesh. Here’s how to do it well:
- Dry the salmon with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice brown crust.
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot, then add olive oil. Make sure the oil shimmers before adding the salmon.
- Place the salmon in the pan skin-side down (if it has skin) and don’t move it around for the first 3-4 minutes. This allows it to sear properly.
- Once it’s golden brown, flip it gently and cook for a few more minutes until just cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork.
Following these tips will help you get wonderfully seared salmon for your meal! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo – Easy Healthy Dinner
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious meal will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the salmon is golden brown and just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat it with the garlic and oil. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the pasta.
5. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
6. Cook the Orzo:
Let the orzo simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir occasionally.
7. Add Spinach:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow the spinach to wilt, which will only take a minute.
8. Reintroduce the Salmon:
Carefully nestle the cooked salmon fillets back on top of the orzo. Cover the skillet again and let everything warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat, and if you want, sprinkle the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dish warm, spooning the lemony orzo and wilted spinach onto each plate alongside a salmon fillet. Enjoy your delicious, healthy dinner!
This recipe yields a balanced, wholesome meal with perfectly seared salmon sitting on a bed of lemon-infused orzo and fresh spinach—a delightful dinner that comes together in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Place it in the refrigerator overnight or seal the fillets in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or ditalini. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the orzo and sear the salmon in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat both components gently on the stovetop before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the orzo moist.
