This tasty one-skillet salmon dish is super easy to whip up! The juicy salmon is paired with zesty lemon orzo for a bright, flavorful meal that won’t stress you out in the kitchen.
If you love quick clean-up, this dish is for you! With everything cooked in one skillet, you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing pots and pans. Now that’s a win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are a must for this dish. If you can’t find them, try using frozen fillets. Just thaw them beforehand or adjust the cooking time slightly.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture, but if you’re gluten-free or looking for alternatives, you can use quinoa or rice instead. They both absorb flavors well!
Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. You can substitute vegetable broth for a meat-free option, making this dish suitable for vegetarians.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for this recipe, but you can swap it with kale or Swiss chard. Just remember to chop them up a bit since they’re usually tougher.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes work too! Just drain them a bit before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with the right method, it can turn out perfectly every time! Here’s how you do it:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Don’t crowd the pan, or your salmon won’t cook evenly.
- Cook skin-side down first if using skin-on salmon. If the skin is removed, just sear one side until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
- Flip carefully using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The salmon should be just cooked through but still moist. It should flake easily with a fork.
- If unsure, use an instant-read thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for well-done.
Rest your salmon for a minute before serving to let the juices redistribute. This will keep it delicious and moist.
One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-skillet meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it an easy dinner option in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will create a nice golden sear on your salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Season both sides of your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, gently place the salmon in the skillet. Sear until it turns a lovely golden brown on one side—this should take about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—make sure it doesn’t burn!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it around to get coated in the oil and garlic. Now pour in the chicken broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender—this will take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add the Veggies:
Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Finish Cooking the Salmon:
Now it’s time to bring back the salmon! Nestle the fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture. Spoon some of the juices over the salmon to soak up all that delicious flavor. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully plate the salmon over the lemon orzo, and garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your bright, flavorful, and easy one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the fillets are thicker.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative like quinoa or rice, and ensure that the broth you use is labeled gluten-free as well.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salmon and orzo mixture in advance. Store the orzo mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, and then add the salmon for the final cooking. This will save you time on busy nights!
What Can I Serve with This Salmon Dish?
This one-skillet salmon pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier meal. Enjoy customizing it to your taste!