Description
Creamy orzo with sweet corn and seared salmon makes this comforting dish both elegant and easy. A perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Orzo: 1 cup. Small pasta that gives a creamy texture when cooked like risotto.
- Salmon Fillets: 2 fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz each. Rich, flaky, and satisfying.
- Sweet Corn Kernels: 1½ cups, fresh or frozen. Adds sweetness and texture.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Creates the luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated. Deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced. Adds aromatic depth.
- Shallot: 1 small, finely chopped. Milder than onion, adds gentle sweetness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. For richness and flavor base.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For searing the salmon.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Brightens up the whole dish.
- Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Adds a herby lift to the creamy base.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Brings out all the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil to the skillet, then place salmon skin-side down. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in the corn and thyme, cooking for 2 minutes. Add orzo and toss to coat. Pour in enough water or broth to barely cover the orzo. Simmer gently, stirring often.
- Cook to Perfection: Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the cream and parmesan. Simmer until thick and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Finishing Touches: Nestle the cooked salmon back on top of the orzo to warm through. Optionally, garnish with extra thyme or lemon zest.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate generous spoonfuls of creamy corn orzo, topped with the salmon fillet. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Note: Stir the orzo frequently while cooking for a creamy texture.
- Note: Add the lemon juice at the end to preserve brightness.
- Note: Fresh herbs bring out the best flavor, but dried can be used if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamed corn orzo with salmon, creamy pasta with salmon, corn salmon dinner, easy salmon recipes