One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It stars flaky salmon fillets nestled atop gently seasoned rice, all baked together in a single skillet until every spoonful is infused with savory goodness. This dish makes weeknight cooking utterly stress-free, marrying the rich taste of salmon with fluffy, aromatic rice and pops of vibrant color from peas and lemon. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this is one of those magical meals that tastes as good as it looks—no culinary gymnastics required!

One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of everyday staples, you can create a meal that feels effortlessly gourmet. Each ingredient in the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe plays a key role, ensuring every element of taste, texture, and color shines through. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to get the most out of each component:

  • Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for even cooking and the best flavor; skinless or skin-on both work beautifully.
  • Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy fat and helps sauté the aromatics for a subtly rich base.
  • Yellow onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the rice, complementing the salmon’s natural flavor.
  • Garlic cloves: Just a couple of minced cloves will infuse every bite with irresistible aroma.
  • Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and light once cooked, it absorbs all those savory flavors perfectly.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without overwhelming the delicate salmon—use homemade or store-bought.
  • Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and an inviting golden hue to the rice.
  • Dried thyme: This herb adds subtle earthy notes that pair pleasantly with both rice and fish.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together—taste as you go for your preferred balance.
  • Frozen peas (optional): If you like a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, go ahead and toss these in at the end.
  • Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the entire dish and complements the salmon beautifully.
  • Lemon slices and chopped parsley: Sprinkled on just before serving for that final flourish of freshness and grace.

How to Make One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a large oven-safe skillet or a deep sauté pan—something roomy enough to hold both the rice and the salmon in one layer. This helps the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe cook evenly and deliver the ultimate “wow” moment at the table.

Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics

Pour the olive oil into your pan and set it over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s softened and starting to turn translucent. Slide in your minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds; this brief moment is all it takes for that fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen without burning.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked long-grain rice directly to the pan, stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice before adding any liquid deepens its flavor and gives it a lovely nutty note, a subtle touch that makes this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe taste like it simmered all day.

Step 4: Build Flavor and Simmer

Now, pour in your low-sodium chicken broth and stir in paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, making sure the rice is spread evenly through the pan. Bring it all to a gentle simmer—this step ensures the rice cooks up perfectly fluffy and flavorful.

Step 5: Nestle and Season the Salmon

Gently place your salmon fillets on top of the rice, spacing them a bit so each gets even heat. Sprinkle a touch more salt and pepper over each piece, then finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. This layering lets the juices from the fish seep down, flavoring the rice in the best possible way.

Step 6: Bake it to Perfection

Cover your skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap in the steam. Move the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The salmon will turn tender and flaky while the rice becomes perfectly cooked underneath. During the last 5 minutes, if you’re using peas, gently stir them in around the salmon so they steam without losing their color.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once done, take your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe out of the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This short pause allows all the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Finish with lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley across the top—it’s these bright, fresh touches that make the dish truly sing.

How to Serve One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A finishing touch of thin lemon slices and a shower of chopped parsley brings both color and zippy flavor to the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter over a few extra herbs like dill or chives, or add a drizzle of good olive oil for even more shine and fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

While the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe is a hearty meal in itself, you might want to round it out with a crisp green salad, lightly steamed asparagus, or some roasted carrots. The gentle flavors of the rice and salmon partner beautifully with almost any seasonal vegetable side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salmon fillets right from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel—or plate each portion individually, giving every guest a perfect piece of salmon atop a scoop of vibrant rice. For a dinner party twist, flake the salmon and gently stir it through the rice, then top with vibrant garnishes so guests can help themselves family-style. No matter how you serve it, this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe is bound to make an impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. Store the salmon and rice together or separately in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and make a fabulous next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

If you want to stash extras for later, you can absolutely freeze portions of the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To gently reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice to restore its moisture, and warm in a covered skillet over low heat until hot throughout. For the salmon, avoid overcooking by reheating just until warmed—alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second bursts for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and the baking time as it takes longer to become tender. Check the rice package for cooking times, and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup more broth as needed.

What if I’re using skin-on salmon?

Skin-on fillets work beautifully; simply place them skin-side down on the rice. The skin helps lock in moisture and imparts even more flavor to the dish. After baking, the skin will easily peel away or you can eat it if you enjoy the extra texture.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in bell peppers, baby spinach, shredded carrots, or even cherry tomatoes along with the peas near the end. This is a great way to get creative and use up what’s in your fridge while making your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe even more colorful and nutritious.

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika and thyme or serve the finished dish with a little hot sauce on the side. You can also swap in smoked paprika for extra depth and warmth.

What’s the best way to keep the salmon moist?

Baking the fish on top of the steaming rice, tightly covered, is key to keeping salmon moist in the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe. Just avoid overbaking and let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving—the steam helps everything stay luscious and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy yet outright spectacular dinner, give this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe a spin. It’s a crowd-pleasing classic that fits seamlessly into busy evenings but doesn’t skimp on taste or comfort. Gather your family, dive in with a big spoon, and enjoy every nourishing bite!

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One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This One-Pan Salmon and Rice recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender salmon fillets with aromatic rice cooked in a savory broth. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

  • 4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice:

  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  3. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, then add chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook Salmon: Nestle salmon fillets on top of rice, season, cover, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
  5. Finish and Serve: Add peas if desired, then garnish with lemon and parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon for a different texture.
  • Enhance flavor by brushing salmon with garlic herb butter before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with rice
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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