Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn
Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn is a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly seasoned, seared salmon with a creamy, comforting bed of orzo and corn. The Cajun seasoning gives the salmon a delightful kick, while the creamed corn adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
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The orzo cooks directly in the pan with garlic, onion, and chicken broth, absorbing all the rich flavors. This dish is quick to prepare and will make your weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: A delicious main dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: The Cajun seasoning, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan create a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and zest.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap in your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients Needed to Make Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn
Salmon:
- Salmon filets, skin removed
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt & Pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
Orzo Creamed Corn:
- Small onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Salt & Pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Frozen corn
- Orzo
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan, grated
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
Directions to Make Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon filets and remove the skin. Season them with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side to get a golden sear. Set the salmon aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Corn and Orzo: Stir in the frozen corn and orzo. Cook for a few minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan. Add the heavy cream and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the seared salmon filets back on top of the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 5 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and everything is heated through.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used in place of frozen. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and cook them as directed in the recipe.
Can I substitute the orzo with another grain?
Absolutely! You can use rice, quinoa, or even small pasta like couscous. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the orzo mixture becomes too thick.
Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 2-4 salmon filets skin removed
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- S&P
- Cajun Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
Orzo Creamed Corn:
- small onion diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- fresh or dried thyme
- S&P
- Cajun Seasoning
- 1 bag frozen corn
- 1 cup orzo
- 2½ cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ -1 cup Parmesan grated
- lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes for extra spice!
Instructions
- Pat dry salmon, remove skin, and season. In a skillet add your butter and oil, once hot add in your salmon and cook 1-2 minutes on both sides for a nice golden sear, don’t need to fully cook. Set aside.
- In the same pan add in your onions, garlic, S&P and thyme. Let cook till onions are translucent.
- Add in your corn and orzo, cook a few minutes then add in your broth and let come to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Parmesan. Then add your cream and lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes. Add your salmon back on top and cook in the oven on 350 for 5 minutes.
Cajun Salmon with Orzo Creamed Corn is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, flavorful salmon with a rich, creamy orzo base. The Cajun spices provide a touch of heat, balanced by the creamy Parmesan sauce and sweet corn. It’s a one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for a busy weeknight. Serve this with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little extra spice!
