If you’re searching for a dazzling yet simple dinner that feels both elegant and comforting, look no further than this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe. Imagine perfectly seared salmon fillets resting atop a creamy, tangy bed of lemon-infused orzo pasta, all made effortlessly in a single pan. This dish brings together bright citrus notes, savory Parmesan, and a touch of fresh parsley for color and zing, creating a meal that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe will become your go-to for weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role: from the crispy skin of the salmon to the aromatic onion and garlic, and of course, the luscious lemon and Parmesan that bring everything together with fantastic flavor and texture.
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures a tender, flavorful centerpiece with crispy skin.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear that locks in juices and adds subtle fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the fish and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and a savory base to the orzo.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Elevates the aroma and depth of flavor in the pasta.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star grain that becomes silky and tender, soaking up all the citrus and broth.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the orzo moist and flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, perfectly complementing the salmon.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Infuse bright citrus notes that brighten every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a creamy, salty richness that ties the dish together.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a luscious finish, enriching the orzo with silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: To squeeze on top for extra zing and visual appeal.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this step is key to getting that irresistibly crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the salmon skin-side down. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Beware of overcrowding your pan for even cooking. Once done, gently remove and set the salmon aside—you’ll finish cooking it later alongside the orzo.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Let it soften and turn translucent for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t brown too fast. Add minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release its fragrant oils. Now it’s time to stir in the orzo, allowing it to toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes. This extra step adds a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the texture firm yet tender in the finished dish.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo with Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, if using, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where taste magic happens. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will absorb the liquid and become beautifully tender without turning mushy. This is your base for that luscious lemon orzo that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Step 4: Add Lemon, Cheese, and Butter
Once the orzo is almost cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice for a fresh burst of citrus flavor. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. This step transforms the orzo into a creamy, rich bed that highlights the brightness of the lemon and the savory depth of the Parmesan. The butter also adds a silky texture that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 5: Return Salmon and Finish Cooking
Place the seared salmon fillets back on top of the orzo in the skillet. Cover the pan and let cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your preferred doneness. The residual heat will gently finish cooking the fish while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over everything for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is not just about looks—although the fresh parsley and lemon wedges definitely brighten up the presentation. They also provide a layer of freshness and a lovely citrus tang that cuts through the richness of the salmon and Parmesan. Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick if you like.
Side Dishes
Although the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can add refreshing crunch and balance to your plate. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a light cucumber-dill salad complement the lemony flavors exceptionally well without overpowering the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon fillets whole atop the creamy orzo in your skillet for a rustic, family-style look that invites everyone to dig in. For a more elegant touch, carefully plate one fillet on top of a neat bed of orzo and drizzle with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil. Adding edible flowers or thin lemon slices on top can turn this everyday recipe into an eye-catching dinner party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the orzo may continue absorbing liquid and soften further, but reheating helps refresh its texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the salmon on top. Remove the fillets and freeze the orzo separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Salmon may lose some texture when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. To freeze cooked salmon, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, but expect a slight change in quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if it seems dry. Cover with a lid to ensure even warming without drying out the salmon. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel over the top, heating in short bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before cooking to achieve that perfect crispy skin. Cooking from frozen isn’t ideal here because it can affect the texture of both the salmon and the orzo.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer to skip it, simply replace it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth. The dish will still be delicious and vibrant thanks to the lemon and Parmesan.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese and butter, or substitute with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and nutritional yeast. The lemon zest and juice will continue to provide bright flavor without the dairy.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta—can I use another type?
You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time since different pastas have different textures and sizes.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prepare the orzo base a few hours ahead and keep it warm. Sear the salmon just before serving, then combine and finish cooking together. This method helps maintain the freshest texture for the salmon and prevents it from overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. It manages to be quick, easy, and bursting with flavor while feeling special enough to serve to guests. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about cooking an entire dinner in one pan with minimal fuss and maximum taste. So grab your skillet and get ready to wow your taste buds with this delicious, wholesome, and bright meal!
Print
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a delicious and healthy main course that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with creamy lemon-infused orzo pasta. Prepared entirely on the stovetop in a single skillet, it offers a quick and easy meal packed with fresh flavors from garlic, lemon, and parsley, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor and ensure a nice crust.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Orzo: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. This will make the orzo creamy and add bright citrus tones to the dish.
- Reintroduce Salmon and Cook Through: Place the salmon fillets back on top of the orzo in the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese and butter, or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the salmon.
- If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth or water.
- Be sure to not overcook the salmon when searing; it should remain moist and tender.
- Use skin-on salmon fillets to help keep the fish intact and add crisp texture when seared.
