This easy one-skillet salmon recipe is perfect for a quick dinner! The tender salmon cooks beautifully with zesty lemon orzo, giving it a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
You’ll love how everything cooks in just one pan—less mess means more time to enjoy your meal! I often serve this with a side of greens for a colorful plate. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is a great choice for this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa or rice, though cooking times may vary. Little stars pasta also works well for a fun twist!
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, but you can substitute with other fish like trout or cod. Canned salmon can work in a pinch too—just add it towards the end to warm it through.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: If you’re vegetarian, stick with vegetable broth. For a flavor boost, homemade broth works best. You can also use water if you have no broth on hand, but it will be less flavorful.
Baby Spinach: You can swap this for Swiss chard or kale. Just remember that kale takes a bit longer to soften. If none are available, frozen spinach works too—just thaw and squeeze out excess water.
Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the best flavor. However, if you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar can add a similar acidity.
How Do I Get My Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon perfectly ensures it stays moist without being overdone. Start by bringing your skillet to the right temperature before adding the salmon.
- Heat the oil until it shimmers; this indicates it’s hot enough.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down to lock in moisture—if it has skin. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Don’t rush—remove it once it’s a nice golden color and just barely cooked through, as it will continue cooking off the heat.
Using this method will help you achieve flaky, tender salmon every time!
Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking, making it a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning each salmon fillet generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Orzo:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
Next, pour in the orzo pasta, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and garlic. This adds a lovely flavor to the pasta!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
5. Add Flavor and Greens:
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), and the fresh baby spinach. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
6. Combine Salmon and Orzo:
Now, carefully nestle the seared salmon fillets on top of the orzo mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked through and flaky.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish and serve with grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one skillet meal that’s fresh, bright, and comforting! Happy cooking! 🍋🐟
FAQ for Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Can I Substitute the Orzo with Another Grain?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use quinoa, rice, or even couscous. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the grains are cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use other greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you opt for frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dish.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw the fillets completely before cooking for even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or submerge them in cold water for quicker defrosting.
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 in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
