This tasty salmon dish is super simple and cooked all in one pan! It features juicy salmon fillets paired with zesty lemon orzo, making it bright and fresh.
You can’t beat a meal that’s easy to clean up after! I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra touch. Quick, yummy, and all in one skillet—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this dish, but you can swap them for skinless trout or even chicken breast if preferred. Both options will still work well with the lemon orzo!
Orzo: This tiny pasta adds a lovely texture. If you don’t have orzo, you can use farro or quinoa as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, choose rice or gluten-free pasta.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. If you have frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain the excess water before adding it to the dish.
Broth: I like using low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth works perfectly to keep it vegetarian. For a lighter flavor, try using water with a bit of added lemon juice!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon might seem tricky, but it can be easy with a few tips. The key is to heat the pan properly and not overcook the fish.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it easily releases from the pan.
- After flipping, cook for another 3-4 minutes until the inside is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper before and after cooking for the best flavor!
Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Just a quick sear for the salmon, some simmering for the orzo, and you’re good to go! Minimal time for a maximum flavor meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will help bring out the flavor of the fish.
2. Searing the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Adding Flavor with Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Cooking the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it around so it gets coated in the oil and garlic. This will give it a nice flavor boost.
5. Simmering with Broth and Lemon:
Pour in the chicken broth, along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Adding Spinach & Heat:
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and, if you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should only take a minute or two.
7. Nestle in the Salmon:
Place the seared salmon back in the skillet on top of the orzo. Spoon some of the orzo and sauce over the salmon, cover the skillet with a lid, and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the lemon orzo alongside each salmon fillet and enjoy this delightful, one-pan meal!
This one-pan dish brings together perfectly seared salmon, zesty lemon-infused orzo, and tender spinach with minimal cleanup! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to ensure it sears nicely in the skillet.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
No problem! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative, such as nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese sprinkle. The dish will still taste amazing without the cheese!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them with the garlic in Step 3 so they have time to cook through before adding the orzo.
