Description
A quick and flavorful 30-minute seared salmon with lemon orzo recipe. Crispy pan-seared salmon pairs perfectly with citrusy, herb-infused orzo for a fresh and easy meal. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 lemon, sliced
For the Lemon Orzo:
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Orzo
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Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Stir in orzo and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
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Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
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Remove from heat; mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
2. Cook the Salmon
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Pat salmon fillets dry; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place salmon skin-side down; sear for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
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Flip, add butter and lemon slices; cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (125-130°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium).
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Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
3. Serve
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Plate salmon over lemon orzo.
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Drizzle with extra lemon juice and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
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Substitutions:
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Use couscous, quinoa, or small pasta instead of orzo.
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Swap parsley for basil or dill for a flavor variation.
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Make it dairy-free by omitting Parmesan or using a dairy-free alternative.
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Baking Alternative: Bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
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Keto Option: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: seared salmon recipe, lemon orzo pasta, quick salmon dinner, healthy seafood recipe, 30-minute meals