Description
Creamy lemon orzo salmon showcases Mediterranean flavors with perfectly seared fish nestled on herbed pasta. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a delightful meal you can easily master at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (46 oz / 1.3 kg each)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Station: Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean cooking surface for the salmon fillets.
- Season Fillets: Drizzle olive oil across each salmon piece, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Massage seasonings gently to ensure complete, even coverage.
- Roast Salmon: Position seasoned fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Carefully slide into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until fish turns opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork’s light pressure.
- Rest and Serve: Remove salmon from oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes, preserving internal moisture and tenderness. Transfer to serving plates, accompanying with lemon wedges and freshly prepared orzo for a complete, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Ensure Even Cooking: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels before oiling to prevent moisture interference and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Select Quality Fish: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for superior taste and nutritional value.
- Monitor Precise Timing: Use kitchen timer and check salmon at 12-minute mark to prevent overcooking, which can make fish dry and tough.
- Customize Seasoning: Experiment with herb blends like dill, thyme, or Mediterranean spices to enhance salmon’s natural flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg