Description
Mediterranean-inspired one skillet salmon with lemon orzo combines elegant simplicity and robust flavors. Delicate salmon nestles perfectly atop creamy orzo, creating a quick weeknight dinner that brings Mediterranean coastal charm directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried thyme
Cooking Base and Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (200 grams) dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach
Finishing Ingredients:
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly prepare ingredients by grating Parmesan, finely chopping onion, and mincing garlic. Dry salmon fillets with paper towel and season generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
- Lower skillet temperature to medium. Sauté garlic and onion until softened and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate thyme and remaining seasonings.
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast briefly, then pour in chicken broth. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to allow gentle simmering. Cook uncovered, stirring periodically, until orzo reaches near al dente texture and liquid reduces significantly.
- Fold in fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan, stirring to create a creamy consistency. Adjust liquid volume if needed and taste for seasoning.
- Carefully return salmon to skillet, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added complexity.
Notes
- Perfectly sear salmon by patting it dry and using high heat to create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty taste and prevent a mushy texture.
- Use fresh spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color, wilting it quickly to maintain its bright green appearance.
- Create a creamy sauce by stirring in Parmesan cheese, which adds richness and helps bind the dish together.
- Customize heat levels with black pepper and optional chili flakes for a personalized spice experience.
- One-skillet method reduces cleanup and allows flavors to meld together beautifully during the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg