One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant, refreshing, and wholesome dish that brings together tender salmon fillets, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo — all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and elegant meal in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Zester
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon fresh or thawed, skin-on
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add orzo and stir to coat it in the garlic and oil. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return salmon to the skillet, placing it over the orzo to warm through for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or crumbled feta. You can substitute the salmon with chicken or tofu for variety. Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and white wine.