This easy seared salmon is perfect for a tasty and quick meal! It’s beautifully golden on the outside and flaky on the inside, served with zesty lemon orzo for extra flavor.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that looks fancy but is so simple to make? I like to whip this up on a busy night—ready in no time and oh-so-delicious!
The bright lemon orzo is a delightful side that pairs perfectly with the salmon. It’s like a taste of sunshine on your plate—gets me every time! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: I love using fresh salmon for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, try skinless trout or even tilapia for a lighter option. These fish cook quickly too!
Orzo: This tiny pasta is perfect for quick cooking. If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use other small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Quinoa is a great gluten-free substitute!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works nicely. You can also use water with a bouillon cube if you’re in a pinch.
Lemon: Fresh lemon really brightens this dish. In a pinch, you could use lemon juice from a bottle, but fresh is always best! You can also try lime for a different twist.
How Can I Get Perfectly Seared Salmon?
Getting a nice sear on your salmon takes a little practice, but it’s worth it! Here are my tips:
- Start with a hot skillet, medium-high works great. This helps create that crispy exterior.
- Make sure the salmon is dry. Patting it down with paper towels removes excess moisture that can steam it instead of sear.
- Let the salmon cook without moving it for about 4-5 minutes. This allows it to develop a nice crust.
- Use a thin spatula to flip it gently. Wait until the edges look cooked for an easier flip.
With these tips, your salmon should come out beautifully golden and delicious every time! Enjoy this wonderful meal!
Easy Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious dinner ready in just about 25 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps to get that nice crispy skin! Then, season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the parsley.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add the orzo to the skillet and toast it in the oil and garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Simmer the Orzo:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
5. Finish the Orzo:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is well combined and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste for that extra burst of flavor!
6. Assemble the Dish:
Now, return the seared salmon to the skillet, placing it on top of the lemon orzo. Spoon some of that delicious buttery sauce over the salmon for extra flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, easy seared salmon with bright lemon orzo!
This recipe features beautifully seared salmon fillets with a crispy, peppery exterior resting over creamy, zesty lemon orzo pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. After thawing, pat dry and proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To keep this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta option, such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Ensure that your broth is also labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This seared salmon and lemon orzo dish is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrients and color. Roasted asparagus or broccoli would be excellent choices!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon and orzo on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or lemon juice to refresh the dish!
