Honey Garlic Seared Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Broccoli

When I want something a little lighter I always look for salmon or fish of some sort. This dish comes together in about 20 minutes and is so easy to make. I sear the salmon and then make a honey garlic sauce with lemon, thyme and butter; its sweet, savory, bright and herby, and works so well with the salmon. I then toast the orzo, cooking it with the same method as risotto, and it brings a rich nuttiness out that is just so good.

Toasted Orzo

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 roasted garlic cloves, (store bought or homemade)
• 6 cups chicken stock
• salt and black pepper
• 1 cup broccoli, cooked, steamed or sautéed

Directions

In a large sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is bubbling and melted. Pour in the orzo stirring frequently and cook until the orzo is golden brown. Pour in the stock about 1/4 cup at a time and continue to stir, adding a little at a time as the orzo absorbs all the liquid. Add in the thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes until the orzo is al dente and keep warm while you cook the salmon.

Honey Garlic Salmon

Ingredients

• 2 salmon filets, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 roasted garlic cloves (store bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 4-5 thyme sprigs
• salt and black pepper

Directions

In a skillet or sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and black pepper. When the oil is hot enough and shimmering, place the salmon flesh side down and sear for about 3-4 minutes, without flipping it. Watch as the edges start to turn golden. Then add in the butter and flip the salmon over. The salmon should easily release from the pan. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes and then remove from the pan and set aside. Add in the garlic, honey, lemon juice, (add the lemon wedges right into the sauce) thyme sprigs and cook on medium low until the sauce thickens, then add the salmon back in. Let it continue to cook through and absorb all the flavors.

Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Serve a large spoonful of orzo onto the plate, add the broccoli and then place the salmon on top with another spoonful of the sauce. Enjoy!