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Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe

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Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon is a delightful, one-pot meal combining flaky, perfectly seared salmon fillets with a creamy, savory orzo infused with fresh corn sweetness. This easy-to-make dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a wholesome and comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Seared Salmon

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 skinless salmon fillets – skin removed
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Creamed Corn Orzo

  • 4 garlic cloves – minced
  • 1 yellow onion – finely chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 sprigs of thyme – more for serving
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 3 ears corn
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • chili flakes for serving – optional

Instructions

  1. Prep the Salmon and Ingredients: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. Shuck and Prepare the Corn: Remove husks and silks from the corn ears. Cut each ear in half. Hold a half ear upright on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to shave kernels off in long strips. Repeat with remaining corn ears.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, and thyme leaves.
  5. Toast Orzo and Corn: Add orzo and corn kernels to the skillet and toast them for 1 minute, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
  6. Cook Orzo in Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and liquid mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  7. Add Cheese, Cream, and Lemon: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Then add the heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering for 2 minutes to thicken and combine flavors.
  8. Return Salmon to Skillet: Place the seared salmon back into the skillet with the creamed orzo mixture. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is reheated through.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Top the dish with fresh thyme sprigs, extra black pepper, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure to pat salmon dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
  • To expedite kernel removal, use a large sharp knife and steady the corn firmly against the cutting board.
  • Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
  • Adjust chili flakes depending on your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying the salmon.