This seared salmon is buttery and perfectly cooked, served over a bed of zesty lemon orzo. It’s both fresh and satisfying!
You can’t go wrong with this dish! The bright lemon flavor in the orzo pairs so well with the salmon. I love serving it with a side of veggies for a colorful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is key for this dish, giving it a rich flavor. If you’re looking to switch it up, try using trout or even a firm white fish like cod. Frozen salmon works too, but be sure to thaw it properly for the best texture.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta adds a unique twist. If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use other small pasta like rice-shaped couscous, quinoa, or even small shells as substitutes!
Broth: I prefer chicken broth for its depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian option. You can also use homemade stock for an extra boost.
Heavy Cream: This gives a nice creaminess to the dish. A lighter option would be half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just be mindful of the flavor change.
How Do I Perfectly Sear Salmon?
Searing salmon is all about getting that skin crispy and the flesh tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry salmon: Pat the fillets with paper towels. The dryer they are, the better they will sear.
- Use medium-high heat: This helps to get the skin crispy without overcooking the fish.
- Cook skin-side down first: This is where you’ll get that crispy texture. Don’t move the salmon around too much in the pan.
- Flip carefully: When it’s time to flip, gently turn with a spatula and let it cook until it flakes easily.
With these tips, you should have perfectly seared salmon every time!
How to Make Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 fillets of salmon (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, with around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a lovely dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and black pepper. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of garlic powder and onion powder on top.
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and can be flaked with a fork. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it lightly for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Add the chopped parsley and mix everything together well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet with the lemon orzo. Let everything cook together for an additional minute to warm up.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Your Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo is ready to be served! Garnish with some extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to completely thaw the salmon before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Just be aware that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the orzo when reheating.
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Yes! You can substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the pasta or rice type you choose, as they may vary from the orzo cooking time.
