Description
Savory lemon orzo salmon brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Perfectly seasoned fish nestles over creamy orzo, creating a quick and delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon & Seasonings
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dry parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orzo Base
- 1 cup (180 grams) dry orzo
- 2 cups (100 grams) shredded kale
- 1 cup (125 grams) frozen peas
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter (dairy or plant-based)
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 2 shallots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon (6 grams) lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) chili flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Gently massage salmon with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring even coating across the surface.
- Sizzle salmon in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer fish to a holding plate.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté finely chopped shallots and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Introduce orzo to the pan, stirring to coat with butter and toast lightly, releasing nutty undertones.
- Pour in broth and coconut milk, then fold in vibrant green peas and tender kale leaves. Reduce heat, cover, and allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Brighten the dish with fresh lemon juice, then nestle seared salmon back into the creamy orzo mixture.
- Cover and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and salmon to gently finish cooking.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s firm and has a vibrant color.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry and tough.
- Swap kale with spinach or chard for different nutrient profiles and flavor variations.
- For gluten-free option, replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice while maintaining the same cooking method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg