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A close-up of seared salmon served with bright zesty lemon orzo.

Seared Salmon with Zesty Lemon Orzo

A delightful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with a bright and flavorful lemon orzo, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 fillets
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • paper towels
  • large, oven-safe skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • foil

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon

  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika Optional

For the Zesty Lemon Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • large lemon zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salmon

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

Sear the Salmon

  • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-6 minutes until crispy.

Finish Salmon (Optional)

  • For thicker fillets, flip and cook an additional 2-4 minutes, or transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Rest the Salmon

  • Remove the salmon from the pan, place on a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest while preparing the orzo.

Cook the Orzo

  • Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, add orzo, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente; drain excess liquid.

Season the Orzo

  • Return cooked orzo to the saucepan and stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

  • Divide the zesty lemon orzo among plates, top with a seared salmon fillet, and garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the salmon for 15-20 minutes before searing. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your preference for a brighter or more subtle lemon flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a wonderful aroma and freshness that really elevates the dish; don't skip them!