Hello my loves,
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I thought it would be fun to share an easy recipe that you can cook with your partner if you choose to stay at home. We usually don’t go out or do too much for this holiday. It’s pretty hyped up by the card and candy industry if you ask me. Do I buy both of those things each year? You better believe I do! But we don’t make dining out part of the tradition. We usually cook something together!
So I here’s the scoop on this walnut crusted salmon with lemon orzo. It’s really good. First the salmon is brushed with a dijon and lemon sauce and then topped with very finely chopped walnuts and Panko breadcrumbs. The orzo is really simple yet bright and pairs nicely with the fish, that’s bursting with lots of flavor. Even though orzo is a pasta, there is something about it that just feels light compared to other types of noodles. I love it with seafood dishes! I added some broccoli to give the dish a veggie and it was delish! *chefs kiss*
Walnut Crusted Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Walnut Crusted Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon filets
- 3 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp honey
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp finely chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
Lemon Orzo:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup cooked broccoli, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Also get a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- In a small bowl combine the dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, honey, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. In another bowl, combine the panko, walnuts and olive oil.
- Place salmon on prepared baking sheet and pat them dry with a paper towel. Spoon the dijon mixture over the fish, full coating each piece. Then sprinkle the panko mixture over the top and lightly press down to adhere to fish. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray.
- Bake until fish flakes with a fork, about 9-12 minutes.
- While the salmon is baking, cook the orzo to package instructions. Then strain. Add the butter and parsley to the still warm pot and let melt. Then add in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Return the orzo to the pot, give it a stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked broccoli if desired.
- To serve, spoon the orzo in the bottom of a shallow bowl and place the salmon on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
As always, if you make this be sure to tag me @tessa_port! This recipe is a fabulous way to switch up your weekly salmon! Also if you’re in need of a dessert to go along with your Valentine’s Day meal, may I suggest my chocolate cake? It’s a recipe I’ve had for years and finally decided to share with you. I know you’ll love it!
