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Fresh Lemon Herb Baked Salmon Recipe with Easy Fluffy Orzo Sides

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A quick and easy baked salmon recipe infused with fresh lemon and herbs, paired with fluffy orzo cooked in broth for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz (170g) each (wild-caught if possible)
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon) plus lemon zest
  • Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh herbs: parsley, dill, and thyme, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons each)
  • Garlic cloves, minced, 2 small
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Orzo pasta, 1 cup (about 180g)
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cups (480ml)
  • Unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tablespoon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the juice and zest of one large lemon, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme). Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk until well blended.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. Spoon or brush the lemon herb mixture generously over each fillet. Let sit for 10 minutes if possible.
  4. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  5. While salmon bakes, bring 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup orzo and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  6. Return drained orzo to saucepan. Stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Plate by spooning orzo onto plates, topping with baked salmon, and garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before marinating to help the marinade stick and prevent steaming. Do not overbake salmon to keep it tender and moist. Stir orzo occasionally and toss with butter immediately after cooking to keep it fluffy. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, fluffy orzo, easy dinner, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, lemon herb marinade

Find it online: https://grubella.com/fresh-lemon-herb-baked-salmon-recipe-with-easy-fluffy-orzo-sides/