Description
Salmon Bites with Lemon Butter Orzo is a bright, satisfying dish featuring crispy, seasoned salmon bites served over tender orzo pasta tossed in a silky lemon butter sauce. It’s a fresh, zesty dinner that comes together quickly and looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- For the Lemon Butter Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while orzo cooks.
- Cook the Orzo: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed (10–12 minutes).
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and just cooked through.
- Plate the orzo and top with salmon bites. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added richness, stir a splash of cream or an extra pat of butter into the orzo before serving.
- Use pre-cooked orzo or leftover pasta for an even faster dinner.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the salmon marinade or into the orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: undefined