Description
Succulent salmon nestles perfectly atop zesty lemon orzo in this Mediterranean-inspired one skillet wonder. Quick weeknight dinners get an elegant upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor packed into each delicious bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Orzo and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when cooking.
- Generously coat both sides of the salmon with a robust blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and smoky paprika.
- Warm a generous combination of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect golden searing environment.
- Gently position salmon fillets skin-side down into the sizzling pan, allowing the skin to transform into a delightfully crispy, caramelized layer.
- Cook the salmon undisturbed for approximately 4-5 minutes, watching the edges turn opaque and the skin develop a rich, golden-brown color.
- Carefully flip the salmon using a wide spatula, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and remains tender and moist.
- Transfer the perfectly seared salmon to a warm plate, letting it rest momentarily while preparing to serve.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet to prevent the delicate fish from sticking and breaking apart during cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness – thinner fillets will cook faster, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like dill, thyme, or cajun spice blend to create different flavor profiles while keeping the core cooking method consistent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg