Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo Recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired meal brings together perfectly seared salmon and tangy lemon orzo in a vibrant, one-skillet dinner. Savor the fresh flavors of garlic, onion, and parsley, complemented by a hint of red pepper for a subtle kick. Enjoy a truly healthy, satisfying dish that fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle.

I love creating meals that are both tasty and healthy so I had to share this Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo. It’s a Mediterranean inspired healthy dinner that packs tons of flavor and nutrition while being super easy to make.

I usually start by seasoning four 6 oz salmon fillets with salt and pepper and searing them in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they get that perfect crisp outside while staying tender inside. In the same skillet, I sauté a small chopped onion with two minced garlic cloves and then add a cup of orzo pasta.

I pour in two cups of low-sodium chicken broth and mix in the zest and juice of a large lemon. These combine to form a tangy base that works so well with the salmon.

I top it off with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley and some red pepper flakes if I want a spicier kick. This recipe is a quick, healthy dinner thats packed with protein and fresh flavors.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes dinner super easy with just one pan and I don’t have to stand over the stove all night.

I enjoy how the salmon gets that perfect crispy outside but stays tender inside, giving every bite a great mix of textures.

I really appreciate the zesty lemon orzo that brings a burst of tangy flavor to the dish.

Plus, it’s a healthy meal that makes me feel good after eating even though it tastes indulgent.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, they are both tasty and healthy.
• Olive oil: adds healthy fats, flavor and smooth texture to the dish.
• Orzo pasta: provides carbs, serving as a neutral base that soaks up the savory broth.
• Garlic & onion: delivers an aromatic punch with vitamins and a bit of subtle heat.
• Lemon: offers tangy acidity and vitamin C that really brightens up the flavors.
• Parsley: adds a fresh, herby finish with natural antioxidants and extra flavor.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: acts as a subtly savory base that ties all the flavors together.
• Salt and pepper: essential seasonings balancing all the flavors in the dish just right.
• Red pepper flakes: add light heat and a playful kick to each bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional red pepper flakes, to taste

How to Make this

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned.

3. Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

4. Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until it’s a bit soft.

5. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

6. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it around for about a minute so it gets a little toasty.

7. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, then add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Bring everything to a simmer.

8. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once in a while until most of the liquid is absorbed.

9. Once the pasta is nearly done, add the salmon back into the skillet. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you like it a bit spicy. Let the salmon warm through for a couple of minutes.

10. Give everything a final stir, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve your delicious seared salmon with lemon orzo hot. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet for searing the salmon and cooking the orzo
2. Knife and cutting board to chop the onion and mince garlic
3. Measuring cups for the broth and orzo pasta
4. Measuring spoons for the olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes
5. Plate to set aside the seared salmon
6. Citrus juicer (or fork) and a zester for the lemon juice and zest

These are all the main tools you need to whip up the recipe.

FAQ

Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have salmon, try trout or tilapia instead. They work pretty well for this dish.
• If you run out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil can be a good substitute.
• If orzo isnt available, you can swap it with couscous or even rice for a similar effect.
• If you dont have low-sodium broth, a light vegetable or chicken broth mixed with a bit of water can do the trick.
• If you’re out of parsley, using fresh basil or cilantro can add a similar burst of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. When searing the salmon, make sure the fillets are really dry before you season them. The drier they are the better the sear, so you get that yummy brown crust and not a mushy finish.

2. Toast the orzo in the same pan after you do the garlic and onion. It really brings out a nutty flavor thats hard to beat and gives the pasta a little extra crunch and depth.

3. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning as you go. After you add the lemon juice and zest check the taste and if it needs a bit more salt or pepper, go ahead and fix it right then instead of waiting until the end.

4. When adding the salmon back into the pan, make sure your orzo is almost done so the salmon doesn’t cook too much. Overcooked salmon can turn dry and loses its great flavor, so be careful to warm it up just right.