A couple of weeks ago I took the kids to our local Rainforest Cafe for a bit of a treat. While I really wasn't expecting to be wowed by the food there, it came as a pleasant surprise when they served up a delicious basil-seared salmon with one of the best tasting orzos I've ever had. My taste buds immediately went into overdrive as I tried to deconstruct the recipe with each bite. By the end of the meal I had managed to narrow down the basic components but was still missing a few I'd need to recreate the dish. As usual, quick google search solved all my problems. Turns out, the basil-salmon at Rainforest cafe is so popular that their chefs had whipped it up for daytime tv.
My version is quite close to the original with some minor tweaks. I've made a few substitutions to better suit homecooking (who has lobster broth just lying around?) and additional seasoning to kick things up a notch. This dish is not only delicious and healthy but takes less than 30 minutes to make. Best thing is, my kids absolutely eat it up and that rarely ever happens.
1. Bring large pot of water to boil, add orzo, cook till al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Remove salmon skin and rub salmon with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and/or additional seasoning of your choice. Season salmon skin with a pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
3. Lay basil leaves over non-skin side, heat non-stick pan and add olive oil.
4. Gently lay salmon with basil side down onto the hot pan and sear for approx. 2 minutes (depending on thickness of fish). Flip salmon and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer to 450F degree oven and continue cooking for approx. 4 minutes.
5. Sear salmon skin in same pan over medium-low heat until crispy.
6. Using the same pan, remove excess oil. Add fresh olive oil and brown garlic and onions till fragrant.
7. Add vegetables to pan and continue cooking till almost cooked through. Add orzo pasta and clam juice, continue to simmer till broth is reduced by 50%.
8. Stir in chopped basil, salt and pepper and parmesan cheese.
9. Serve with crispy salmon skin on the side.
Yumm! I loooove salmon so finding a new recipe is always great!
I am cooking myself right now, and hungry, and this put me over the edge. I make salmon a few times a week and will try this recipe for sure. Pinning it!
This looks incredibly delicious! I would have ordered this too. Beautiful photos.
Jenee, it looks so good! HAHAHA Thanks for the recipe!
This looks delicious! I think I need to try and attempt to make it.
Great looking recipe i must try!!!
Oh so yummy.....Great minds think alike. We had almost the same recipe over the weekend. I love salmon and orzo are favorites in our house. My orzo recipe has an olive oil and lemon juice dressing which I added a sauteed shrimp and fresh corn to it. for the veggies I added cucumber and grape tomatoes. The recipe calls for feta cheese but my husband and son does not like the cheese. I will definitely try this pairings too and I am sure we will love it.
This looks SO yummy...and healthy! I love orzo, and salmon is always (always) a win in my book!
Wow, this looks like restaurant cooked meal! Fabulous! Thanks for sharing, will definitely bookmark this recipe!
I was actually looking for a new salmon recipe. Perfect!
This sounds delicious! And healthy - a double bonus.
Oh my! This looks incredible! I will cook this tonight and see how it turns out!
Have a look at my blog too doll!
omg i m drooooling. looks heavenly. xO!
Now I want salmon. Yumm.... looks amazing!
The Rainforest Cafe--haven't been there in ages!! I used to be so obsessed! But I definitely can't remember if the food was very good. I don't think the kid version of myself was a very discerning eater at any rate. I've definitely got to try this recipe or revisit the restaurant!!! It looks so yummy!