Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that won't keep you in the kitchen all night? This Salmon and Orzo recipe is the perfect solution! It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with protein and healthy fats, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and satisfying. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off (your preference)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Add the salmon to the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the cherry tomatoes and white wine (or broth) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Stir in the cooked orzo, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Flake the cooked salmon into the skillet and gently toss to combine everything.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately. This healthy meal is perfect on its own, or you can garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before cooking in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic for a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the salmon with firm tofu, cooked until browned.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This salmon and orzo recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! We love seeing your homemade cooking triumphs!