This tasty salmon dish cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! With juicy salmon paired with zesty lemon orzo, it’s both fresh and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are key here, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap it out for trout or even chicken breast. Canned salmon could work as a last-minute option, just heat it through rather than cooking.
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta is fun and cooks quickly. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta types like couscous, quinoa, or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a great texture, but kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes. Frozen spinach can also be used; just make sure to thaw and drain the excess water before adding it.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemon, a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work too, but keep it to a small amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Do You Ensure the Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky. Here’s how to get it tender and flaky without drying it out:
- Heat the skillet well before adding the salmon—this helps create a nice sear.
- Cooking with skin down first helps protect the delicate flesh and makes flipping easier.
- A few minutes on each side is usually enough (3-4 minutes for each side, depending on thickness).
- Remove the salmon from the pan while it’s still slightly translucent in the center; it will continue to cook off the heat.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon every time!
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and then about 20 minutes cooking in one skillet. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to add flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets, skin side down (if they have skin). Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and easily lift from the pan. This will give them a nice crisp texture!
3. Flip and Cook:
Next, flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3 minutes. You want them to be cooked through but still juicy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. They’ll finish cooking a bit later.
4. Cook the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. This adds a lovely aroma to the dish.
5. Add the Orzo:
Now, add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it around to coat it in the garlic and olive oil. This adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks!
6. Pour in the Liquid:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the lemon zest! Stir everything together very well.
7. Simmer the Orzo:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Add Spinach and Cheese:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, now’s a good time to add the red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is combined.
9. Return the Salmon:
Now, gently nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Cover the skillet again and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to finish cooking the salmon through.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, take it off the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a bit of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, easy, and wholesome one-pan meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQ About Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for faster thawing. Pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even quinoa. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Prepare This Meal in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the orzo and spinach mixture in advance, then reheat it gently on the stove before adding the salmon. Just cook the salmon fresh for the best texture, as it’s best enjoyed right after cooking.
