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Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A quick and easy skillet dish featuring crispy salmon fillets served over creamy orzo pasta with fresh lemon zest, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Salmon fillets, skin on (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (ensure it’s Halal-friendly)
  • 1 whole Lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh herbs (dill or parsley) for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Orzo
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of Halal-friendly broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, generally around 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Set aside.
Prepare the Salmon
  1. While the orzo cooks, season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy.
Flip the Salmon
  1. Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Combine and Serve
  1. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the cooked orzo back into the skillet, toss until well combined, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  3. Serve the orzo on plates, topped with the salmon fillets, and garnish with fresh herbs for that finishing touch.

Notes

For the best flavor, aim for a lovely pink center when cooking the salmon. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent steaming.