This easy seared salmon served on a bed of lemon orzo is fresh and tasty! The creamy orzo pairs perfectly with the crispy salmon for a delightful meal.
Cooking salmon at home is a breeze! I love how quickly it comes together and how fancy it feels. Plus, who can resist that zesty lemon flavor? 🍋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are great, but if you can’t find them, use frozen fillets. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to ensure even results. I love using wild-caught salmon for its flavor!
Olive Oil: While I use extra virgin olive oil for its taste, you can substitute it with avocado oil if you need a higher smoke point. It works just as well for searing!
Orzo Pasta: If you’re out of orzo, other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice can work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I enjoy using whole wheat orzo for added nutrition!
Broth: Chicken broth gives it a nice flavor, but vegetable broth is perfect for vegetarians. You could also use water, but add an extra pinch of salt for flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: I prefer fresh grated Parmesan for its quality, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version!
How Do You Achieve Crispy Salmon Skin?
Getting crispy skin on your salmon can seem tricky, but it’s all about the technique. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your salmon is dry. Patting it with a paper towel helps create that desired crispiness.
- Use a preheated skillet and let it get hot before adding oil. This helps to quickly sear the skin.
- Place the salmon skin-side down and don’t move it around for the first few minutes. This will allow the skin to form a nice crust.
- If you notice the skin sticking a bit, give it a gentle nudge. It should release easily when perfectly crisp.
With practice, you’ll be searing salmon like a pro in no time!
Easy Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be ready to enjoy your Easy Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo in just 35 minutes. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for getting the skin nice and crispy! Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Cooking the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the orzo and stir it around for 1-2 minutes so that it lightly toasts in the oil and garlic. It will add a nice flavor to the pasta!
4. Adding Liquid and Cooking the Orzo:
Now, carefully add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the orzo by stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Finishing the Orzo:
After the orzo is cooked to your liking, stir in the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together well. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Serving:
To serve, plate a generous helping of the creamy lemon orzo and top it with the beautifully seared salmon fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing!
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your fresh, flavorful Easy Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo. The combination of crispy salmon and creamy lemon pasta is sure to become a new favorite!
FAQ about Easy Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely beforehand. The best way to thaw is to place the salmon in the fridge overnight or to submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quick thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as couscous, ditalini, or even a rice variety like jasmine or basmati. Adjust cooking times based on the pasta type you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo, or pop it in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
Can I Make the Orzo Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the orzo in advance! Just cook it until it’s al dente, then let it cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat it gently and toss with the lemon juice, butter, and Parmesan before adding the salmon.
