Due to how regularly I make salmon, I always like to keep my eyes open for ways to prepare it. However, I don’t want to make a complicated meal, especially on a weeknight. After seeing a recipe on Serving Dumplings that paired fish with orzo, I was reminded of the One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe I had made a couple of years ago. I thought now was a perfect time to try a similar dish but this time, using salmon.
The lemon stands out and the parmesan adds another layer of flavor. If you’re not a fan of paprika or garlic, feel free to use whichever herbs and spices you wish. There are endless spice combinations for salmon!
Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
4 Fillets of Salmon
1 tsp Sweet Paprika and Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tsp Unsalted Butter
1 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2-3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta
1 tsp Dried Thyme
5 oz Baby Spinach
2-3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
½ cup Parmesan, grated
Ground Black Pepper, Chili Flakes, for serving
Instructions
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper.
Heat oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Add spinach, stir, and simmer for about 2 minutes or until wilted. Stir in lemon juice and parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired.
Enjoy!
Related:
Salmon Kedgeree Recipe
Coconut Curry Salmon Recipe
Baked Chili and Lime Trout Recipe