Lemon Pepper Salmon Orzo
If you are looking for a creamy, comforting dinner that still feels fresh and vibrant, this lemon pepper salmon orzo is the recipe you need. It is packed with zesty citrus, cracked black pepper, buttery orzo and caramelised salmon bites. Lemon pepper salmon orzo is the kind of one pan meal that feels impressive but is genuinely simple enough for a weeknight.
Equipment
- Large pan with lid
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 175 g orzo
- 400 ml chicken stock
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon juice, zest from half
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 80 ml double cream
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cube the salmon and place it in a bowl. Add half of the black pepper and half of the paprika, juice of half of the lemon, honey, brown sugar and soy sauce. Mix gently to coat and set aside while you prepare the orzo. This allows the salmon to absorb flavour and helps it caramelise during cooking.2 salmon fillets, 2 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoon paprika, 1 lemon
- Place a large pan over medium heat and add the butter. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Keep the heat controlled to prevent burning.2 tablespoon butter
- Stir in the remaining paprika, garlic granules, oregano and remaining black pepper. Toast the spices briefly in the butter to release their flavour. Add the orzo and stir to coat it in the spiced butter. Pour in the double cream and chicken stock. Stir well, then cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo should become tender and creamy. If needed, add a small splash of water and continue cooking until perfectly soft.175 g orzo, 400 ml chicken stock, 80 ml double cream, 1 teaspoon garlic granules, 1 teaspoon oregano, Salt and pepper to taste
- While the orzo cooks, place the marinated salmon cubes into an air fryer at 200C for about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake in the oven for around 15 minutes. For extra caramelisation, finish under the grill for 1 minute. Remove the lid from the orzo and stir well.
- Add fresh lemon zest, an extra squeeze of lemon juice if needed, chopped parsley and a final pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top the creamy lemon pepper salmon orzo with the caramelised salmon cubes and a sprinkle of extra parsley.
Notes
Take your time browning the butter properly. Cook it over medium heat and stir constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty. This step builds a deep base flavour that elevates the entire lemon pepper salmon orzo and makes it taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!