One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss. This all-in-one meal combines pan-seared salmon and zesty orzo, cooked together with fresh spinach and Parmesan. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this meal fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• One Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan elevates the taste of salmon and orzo.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish is a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Versatile: Great for a weeknight dinner or special occasions, it can easily be adapted to include your favorite vegetables.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ensures even cooking of the salmon while preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without damaging your countertops.
• Grater: Ideal for quickly grating Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Orzo

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth

For Finishing Touches

• 5 ounces baby spinach
• juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• chili flakes (for serving)

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Get your prep done before you start cooking:
1. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
2. Finely chop the onion.
3. Mince the garlic cloves.
4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
5. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick pan or skillet:
– Add salmon fillets and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
– Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium:
– Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet.
– Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes.
– Stir in dried thyme along with remaining salt and pepper.
– Add orzo to toast it for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in chicken broth:
– Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer.
– Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally until almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).

Step 5: Add Spinach

Once orzo is nearly cooked:
– Stir in baby spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes).
– Add lemon juice and grated Parmesan, adjusting consistency with more broth if needed. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt as necessary.

Step 6: Combine Salmon with Orzo

Return seared salmon to the skillet:
– Simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Top your dish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Serving your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo can elevate the dining experience, making it more enjoyable for everyone at the table. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance this dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing crunch.
• Caesar Salad: A classic choice that pairs well with salmon’s flavors, topped with croutons and Parmesan.

Add a Slice of Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy orzo perfectly.
• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of a fresh baguette to soak up any leftover sauce.

Include Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds elegance and color to your plate.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple and nutritious, steamed broccoli is a great side option.

Drizzle with Extra Sauce

• Lemon Butter Sauce: A squeeze of lemon butter enhances the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
• Herb Sauce: A drizzle of chimichurri or pesto brings freshness and zest.

How to Perfect One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

To achieve the best results from your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t hold back on seasoning; well-seasoned salmon elevates the entire dish.
• Watch Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the salmon. It should be just cooked through and flaky.
• Stir Gently: When mixing in ingredients like spinach or orzo, stir gently to maintain the integrity of the salmon.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the orzo absorbs too much broth, add more gradually to keep it creamy.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill right before serving adds brightness.

Best Side Dishes for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Complementing your main dish with sides can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to serve alongside your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo.

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic make a hearty side that pairs nicely.
2. Sautéed Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans bring a vibrant color and crunch to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and feta offers a refreshing contrast.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances the meal’s richness.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini drizzled with olive oil adds a smoky flavor that complements salmon well.
6. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon zest enhances the overall flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when preparing a dish like One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Neglecting to season: Failing to season the salmon properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides of the fillets before cooking.
• Overcooking the salmon: Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Not stirring the orzo: If you don’t stir the orzo occasionally, it may stick to the pan. Stirring helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.
• Using low-quality broth: Using poor-quality chicken broth can affect the dish’s overall taste. Opt for low-sodium, flavorful broth for better results.
• Skipping lemon juice: Omitting lemon juice can result in a less vibrant dish. Always add fresh lemon juice for brightness and balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo.

Can I use other types of fish?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with other types of fish like tilapia or trout for a different flavor.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute veggies like asparagus or peas based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely.

Final Thoughts

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is not only quick and easy but also delivers delicious flavors packed into one dish. This versatile recipe allows room for customization, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful meal everyone will love!