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Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A gourmet dish of crispy seared salmon fillets served atop a zesty lemon orzo pasta, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 2 fillets salmon fillets Fresh salmon for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the salmon.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper For seasoning the salmon.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Small rice-shaped pasta.
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth For cooking the orzo.
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested) For flavoring the orzo.
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all the ingredients. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Cook the Orzo
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and mix in the lemon juice and zest.
Sear the Salmon
  1. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Add the salmon skin-side down once the oil is hot. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
Combine and Serve
  1. Place a generous scoop of the lemon orzo on each plate and top with a seared salmon fillet. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

For variations, consider substituting orzo with quinoa or couscous. Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the salmon to achieve crispy skin. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.