Keep it tender
Cook seafood only until it turns opaque and flakes easily; a little residual heat will finish it without drying it out.
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Creamy Lemon Orzo with Salmon
This creamy lemon orzo with salmon is the perfect weeknight dinner\! Quick, cozy, and irresistible, it features tender salmon fillets served over a luscious lemon-infused orzo pasta, making for a delightful and balanced meal.
Total time35 min
Calories600 kcal
Protein40g
Serves2
Step by step
Method
- 01
Marinate the salmon: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the salmon fillets and set aside for 5–10 minutes.
- 02
Cook the salmon: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 03
Make the orzo: In the same pan, add ghee or butter, minced garlic, and rosemary. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 04
Cook the orzo: Add chicken stock and water, then stir in the orzo. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 05
Finish creamy: Stir in butter, crème fraîche, grated cheddar, chopped parsley, chilli flakes (if using), and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 06
Combine: Return the salmon to the pan, nestling it on top of the orzo. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes.
- 07
Serve: Plate the orzo and salmon, sprinkle extra parsley or chilli flakes if desired, and enjoy immediately\!
Useful, not complicated
Gabriela's tips
Small changes that make this recipe easier to fit into real life.
Save the cooking water
Reserve a mug of starchy cooking water before draining; a splash helps the sauce cling and keeps the finished dish silky.
Make it your own
Use the vegetables you already have and keep the same cooking method; this recipe is flexible enough for practical substitutions.
Useful tools
Gabriela's kitchen picks
Products selected because they make this recipe easier to prepare.
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Digital Kitchen Scale
Useful for weighing ingredients accurately and keeping repeat batches consistent.
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Cast Iron Skillet
Useful for building a strong sear on steaks, chicken and other proteins.
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Large Chopping Board
Gives you enough room to prepare vegetables, herbs and proteins neatly and safely.
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