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Close-up of Crave-Worthy salmon recipes: Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon served over orzo pasta and broccoli florets.

Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This recipe provides instructions for searing salmon fillets and serving them over lemon-flavored orzo pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Salmon about 6 oz each, skin on or off
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
For the Lemon Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 3 cups Chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the hot skillet. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crisp.
  4. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through to your preference.
  5. While the salmon cooks, prepare the orzo. Bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  6. Add the orzo to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley until combined.
  8. Divide the lemon orzo among four plates. Top each serving with a seared salmon fillet.

Notes

For best searing results, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and salmon. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the salmon in batches if necessary.