Description
Succulent one skillet salmon dances with zesty lemon orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece of culinary simplicity. Delicate fish nestles alongside creamy pasta, promising a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Cooking and Complementary Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, and thoroughly drying salmon fillets with paper towels. Generously season salmon with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both surfaces.
- Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat, melding olive oil and butter until butter transforms into a golden liquid. Strategically position salmon skin-side down, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, caramelized exterior. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium, introducing minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate thyme and raw orzo into the skillet, allowing grains to toast for one minute, which intensifies their nutty essence and prevents future mushiness.
- Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, elevating heat to initiate boiling. Immediately lower temperature to medium-low, simmering uncovered and periodically stirring for 8 minutes until orzo absorbs liquid and reaches tender consistency.
- Gently fold spinach into the mixture, cooking until leaves wilt completely, roughly 2 minutes. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan, thoroughly integrating flavors. Adjust liquid if necessary by adding supplemental broth.
- Reintroduce salmon to the skillet, nestling fillets atop orzo. Allow fish to warm through for 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning orzo mixture over the surface to enhance flavor absorption.
- Culminate by garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and optional chili flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately while ingredients maintain optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
- Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and taste in this one-skillet meal.
- Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or using gluten-free orzo for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg