This seared salmon is crispy on the outside and flaky inside, served over lemony orzo pasta. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for any day of the week!
Cooking salmon can feel fancy, but it’s so simple! I love how the bright lemon flavor makes everything pop. Pair it with a salad for a complete meal that’s super satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets bring the best flavor and texture, but if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a fun pasta shape, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with rice, quinoa, or any small pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on what you choose.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought versions are perfectly fine too. For a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth or use water if you’re in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream—it will change the flavor slightly but still delicious!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but use it sparingly as it can be more concentrated.
How Do You Get Salmon Skin Crispy?
To achieve that delightful crispy skin on salmon, focus on a few key points. Start with a really hot skillet. Make sure to pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this helps to sear the skin better.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add the olive oil right before cooking.
- Place the salmon skin-side down and don’t move it for the first few minutes—this allows a good sear to form.
- Cook until you can see the color change about halfway up the sides before flipping.
Following these simple tips will give you that wonderful crispy skin everyone loves! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Seared Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a delightful meal of seared salmon and lemon orzo!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor to your fish and make it delicious when seared.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin gets nice and crispy. Flip the fillets over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Once done, take the salmon out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
Using the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This will infuse a tasty flavor into the orzo!
4. Toast the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it to coat with the garlic and butter mixture. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
5. Cook the Orzo:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Give it a good stir, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the orzo cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Add the Cream:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be creamy and delightful!
7. Combine Salmon and Orzo:
Carefully return the seared salmon back into the skillet, placing it right on top of the orzo. Let it warm through for about a minute.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo is ready! Spoon the orzo onto plates, place a salmon fillet on top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Orzo?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for orzo, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, so you’ll need to boil it in the broth until tender before adding the cream and seasoning. You may also want to reduce the liquid slightly since brown rice absorbs more than orzo.
How Do I Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Fillets?
Absolutely! If using frozen salmon, ensure you thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help achieve that crispy skin while searing.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be a bit less rich, so consider adding a tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess if you go this route!
