Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets – Skin-on for extra crispiness (or skinless if preferred).; 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing.; 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance flavor.; ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.; ½ teaspoon paprika – For a subtle smokiness.; ½ teaspoon garlic powder – For extra depth.; 1 cup orzo pasta – A small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the flavors.; 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the orzo.; 2 cloves garlic (minced) – For a fragrant base.; 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth – Provides flavor and moisture.; ½ cup milk or heavy cream – Makes the orzo creamy.; 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens up the dish.; 2 tablespoons lemon juice – For a refreshing citrus kick.; ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.; ¼ teaspoon black pepper – For a mild heat.; ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme – Adds a subtle herby aroma.; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For creaminess and extra depth of flavor.; ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped) – For a fresh finish.

Description

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a simple yet elegant meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Perfectly seared salmon sits on a bed of creamy, zesty lemon orzo, making it a one-pan wonder that’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets – Skin-on for extra crispiness (or skinless if preferred).
1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing.
1 teaspoon salt – To enhance flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
½ teaspoon paprika – For a subtle smokiness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – For extra depth.

For the Lemon Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta – A small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the flavors.
1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the orzo.
2 cloves garlic (minced) – For a fragrant base.
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth – Provides flavor and moisture.
½ cup milk or heavy cream – Makes the orzo creamy.
1 teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens up the dish.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – For a refreshing citrus kick.
½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – For a mild heat.
½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme – Adds a subtle herby aroma.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For creaminess and extra depth of flavor.
¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped) – For a fresh finish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is golden and almost cooked through.
Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Lemon Orzo

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Step 3: Make It Creamy & Finish Cooking

Pour in the milk (or heavy cream) and stir to create a creamy consistency.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flaky.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh fillets give the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: It should be moist and flaky. Remove it from heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Stir the Orzo Often: This prevents it from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.

Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk instead of dairy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired