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Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Spinach Orzo

A beautifully seared, crispy salmon fillet resting atop a bed of rich, creamy parmesan and spinach orzo, brightened with fresh lemon and dill.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each) center-cut
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 2 tbsp avocado or grapeseed oil for searing
Creamy Spinach Orzo
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium shallot finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine optional
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach packed
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Wide skillet or Dutch oven
  • Paper towels
  • Fish spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a wide skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallot for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, letting it reduce almost completely. Add the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Meanwhile, heat oil in a separate heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a crust forms. Flip and cook 2-4 minutes more. Remove and let rest.
  6. Once orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  7. Remove from heat. Fold in the spinach until wilted, then stir in the fresh dill, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  8. Plate the creamy orzo in shallow bowls, top with the seared salmon, and garnish with extra dill and Parmesan.

Notes

Ensure your salmon is completely dry before searing; this is the secret to getting a restaurant-quality, crispy crust without it sticking to the pan.