Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a simple, fast, and flavorful meal featuring tender salmon fillets cooked with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese all in one skillet. This dish offers a nutritious balance of protein-rich salmon and citrusy orzo with an easy cleanup and customizable options to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, 1 tsp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs and Cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or substitute basil)
- 1/3 cup plant-based cheese (creamy, natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemon. Finely chop the garlic and herbs. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Have the orzo ready to add in later steps.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crisp. Carefully flip and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Orzo: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the orzo and stir to coat with the garlic and olive oil flavors.
- Cook Orzo in Broth with Lemon: Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix in Plant-Based Cheese and Herbs: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the plant-based cheese and fresh herbs until melted and well combined to create a creamy texture.
- Return Salmon to Skillet and Warm Through: Place the salmon fillets back on top of the orzo. Spoon some sauce over the salmon and warm everything together for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Searing the skin adds crisp texture and helps maintain the salmon’s shape.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the orzo and ensure even cooking.
- Stir orzo gently and occasionally to keep pasta intact.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your taste preference for citrus brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salmon, lemon orzo, one skillet recipe, plant-based cheese, quick dinner, healthy meal, gluten-free, Mediterranean dish
