Salmon Bites with Lemon Butter Orzo
A delightful combination of succulent salmon bites paired with creamy lemon butter orzo, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1 lb salmon fillet (skin removed and cut into small cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Orzo
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes until it takes on a lovely golden hue.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, bring it to a boil, and then lower the heat, covering the saucepan.
- Allow the orzo to simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender, mix in the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and keep it warm while you cook the salmon.
Cook the Salmon Bites
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are cooked through.
- Just before removing from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
Assemble and Serve
- Spoon the creamy orzo onto plates and lovingly top it with the salmon bites.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a touch of extra lemon zest.
- Enjoy hot.
Notes
To avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the salmon bites, consider cooking in batches if necessary. For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or different herbs like thyme. Leftover orzo can be turned into a salad the next day with chopped veggies.