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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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This One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a light yet satisfying dish featuring pan-seared salmon, creamy orzo, garlic, and fresh lemon. It’s a perfect 30-minute meal for busy nights!

Ingredients

Scale
For the Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
For the Lemon Orzo
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the Salmon
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  4. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Lemon Orzo
  1. In the same skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in orzo, toasting for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
  3. Pour in broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well.
  4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
3. Add Lemon & Finish the Dish
  1. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese (if using), and spinach. Mix until creamy and spinach is wilted.
  2. Nestle the salmon back into the skillet and spoon some orzo over the top.
4. Serve & Enjoy
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges!

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.

Notes

  • Swap orzo for couscous, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option.
  • Use cherry tomatoes or capers for extra flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/one-skillet-salmon-with-lemon-orzo/