Description
A comforting yet fresh dinner featuring creamy lemon orzo infused with Parmesan and topped with tender pistachio-crusted salmon, balancing bright citrus, nutty crunch, and rich, silky textures.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 pieces (about 150 g each)
- Shelled pistachios: 60 g, finely chopped
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Orzo pasta: 250 g
- Garlic cloves: 3 cloves, minced
- Lemon zest: from 2 medium lemons
- Fresh lemon juice: 80 ml
- Vegetable broth: 750 ml
- Heavy cream: 180 ml
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper: 0.5 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pistachio crust by mixing chopped pistachios with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the salmon fillets lightly with salt and pepper, then press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet, stir to coat, then pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently place the salmon fillets on top of the orzo.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and allow the dish to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor.
- Stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking and maintain a creamy texture.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to control acidity.
- When reheating, add a splash of warm broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: creamy lemon orzo, pistachio crusted salmon, salmon dinner, orzo pasta recipe, Mediterranean salmon