This colorful dish combines tender salmon with zesty lemon orzo, all made in just one skillet! It’s quick, tasty, and makes for an appealing dinner.
I love how the lemon adds a bright touch to the salmon. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate less cleanup? We all know the struggle of washing too many pots! 😂
Making this meal is super simple! Just cook the orzo, add the salmon, and let all the flavors come together. It’s a cozy family treat that’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This cute rice-shaped pasta is a great choice! If you don’t have orzo, feel free to swap with another small pasta type like couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best, but you can use frozen ones if needed. Thaw them beforehand. You could also try this dish with other fish like trout or chicken thighs if you prefer.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This adds a lovely flavor to the orzo. If you want a lighter dish, consider using water with a bit of salt, or a homemade broth if you have some handy.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh is ideal for wilting in this dish, but you could swap in kale or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the nutty flavor it provides. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a tasty cheesy flavor without the cheese!
How Do I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but here’s how to do it just right! First, ensure your skillet is properly heated—this helps to get that beautiful crust. Here are some steps to follow:
- Always pat the salmon dry to help it sear properly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- When placing salmon in the skillet, do not move it for the first few minutes. This helps to get a nice golden color.
- Flip the fillets only once, and cook for about the same amount of time as the first side. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Using a meat thermometer can also help! Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking orzo)
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin off
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Toasting the Orzo:
In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes lightly golden. This will enhance the flavor of the orzo.
2. Cooking the Orzo:
Carefully pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, and most of the liquid is absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Preparing the Salmon:
While the orzo is cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step enhances the salmon’s flavor.
4. Cooking the Salmon:
Once the orzo is done, push it to the sides of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the center of the skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
5. Browning the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in the center of the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing them to brown nicely.
6. Flavoring the Dish:
Carefully flip the salmon to cook the other side. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice over both the orzo and salmon. This will infuse delicious flavors into the dish.
7. Adding Spinach:
Gently stir the orzo and spinach around the salmon, allowing the spinach to wilt from the heat, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach will add a healthy touch and color!
8. Final Cooking:
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9. Adding Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the orzo and spinach, and gently fold everything to combine. The cheese will melt providing creaminess.
10. Serving:
Serve the salmon fillets on top of the lemon orzo. Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious and quick meal!
This one-skillet meal is vibrant, creamy, and filled with fresh lemon and garlic flavors, making it a perfect easy weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add extra flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to prepare it in advance, you can cook the orzo and salmon separately and store them in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
