Description
Salmon Bites with Lemon Butter Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon bites served over creamy, lemon-infused orzo pasta. A fresh and bright dish that’s ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in chicken broth (or water), bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, stir in garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining butter, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Cook the Salmon Bites: Toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Drizzle with lemon juice just before removing from the pan.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the lemon butter orzo onto plates, arrange salmon bites on top, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect flakiness.
- You can substitute the chicken broth with water for a lighter version.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan cheese.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orzo for a bit of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg