website statistics
Home / FOOD

Smoked Paprika Salmon with Roasted Garlic Orzo

Smoky Paprika-Crusted Salmon with Creamy Roasted Garlic Orzo Pilaf

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)


Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place on a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and wrap tightly. Roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Coat each fillet evenly with the spice mixture. Set aside.
  5. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and zucchini, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Add orzo to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
  9. Transfer salmon to a baking sheet, skin-side down, and finish cooking in the oven for 5-7 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  10. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the soft cloves into the cooked orzo.
  11. Stir in butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley into the orzo. Add Parmesan cheese if using.
  12. Serve salmon fillets over the creamy roasted garlic orzo, garnished with additional parsley if desired.


Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings