Description
Enjoy a quick and healthy 30-minute seared salmon with lemon orzo! This flavorful dish features crispy salmon fillets served over zesty, herb-infused orzo—perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 2–4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Orzo:
- Bring a pot of salted water or broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate pan, heat butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Drain the orzo and add it to the pan with garlic, stirring to coat.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel for a crispy sear.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving.
Serving:
- Plate the orzo as a base.
- Place salmon fillets on top and garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of salmon.
- Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
- Make it dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: pan searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Seared salmon, lemon orzo, quick salmon recipe, Mediterranean salmon, healthy dinner idea