If you’re after a weeknight dinner that somehow feels both effortless and a little bit special, look no further than the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe. Imagine tender salmon fillets nestled on a bed of lemon-scented rice, all gently baked to perfection in one skillet. The zippy lemon and fresh herbs make it deliciously bright, while every grain of rice and flake of salmon soaks up savory flavors in the simplest way imaginable. This is a dish that looks good enough for company but takes minimal prep, and even the cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This beautifully balanced One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe asks for just a handful of everyday ingredients—each of them chosen for how they contribute to taste, texture, and color. You’ll love how every element plays its part in creating a meal that’s stunning, satisfying, and completely fuss-free.
- Salmon fillets: Rich, flaky, and quick-cooking; keep skin on for crispiness or go skinless for melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas to absorb all those savory, lemony flavors—make sure it’s uncooked when you start.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and extra moisture; use low-sodium for greater control.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics for the most flavorful base.
- Onion: When cooked, it sweetens up and creates a lovely savory foundation for the rice.
- Garlic: A classic flavor booster that brings a gentle pungency to the whole dish.
- Lemon zest: Just a teaspoon of zest wakes everything up with bright citrus notes.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh tangy zing to balance the natural richness of the salmon.
- Dried dill or Italian seasoning: Delivers an herby lift; either works, so use your favorite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer, making every bite pop with flavor.
- Fresh or frozen peas (optional): A pop of color and gentle sweetness—optional, but delightful if you have them handy.
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley (for garnish): The finishing touches that bring brightness and color to your finished plate.
How to Make One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté it for a couple of minutes—just until it’s soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, enjoying that wonderful aroma, and then toss in the rice. Give everything a stir for a minute or two until those rice grains look just a little golden and toasted around the edges. This first step sets up a foundation of flavor that will carry every bite of your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe.
Step 2: Build the Rice Base
It’s time to take this one-pan wonder up a notch. Pour the broth directly into your skillet, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried dill (or Italian seasoning), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine—watch as the rice, aromatics, and citrus scents blend together. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, making sure the rice is evenly dispersed, because this will be the flavorful bed for your salmon fillets in just a moment.
Step 3: Nestle in the Salmon
Lay your salmon fillets right on top of the rice, skin side down if you’re leaving it on. Season them with a final dusting of salt and pepper, and if you like a bit of extra flair, tuck in a few lemon slices here and there. The salmon will cook gently above the simmering rice, soaking up both moisture and flavor from the pan below. At this point, the dish already looks downright impressive—and it isn’t even in the oven yet!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your skillet tightly with foil or a matching ovenproof lid. This traps in all the steamy goodness, ensuring both the rice and salmon are perfectly cooked. Slide everything into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re adding peas, simply stir them in during the last 5 minutes so they stay vibrantly green and just-tender. For a salmon fillet with a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes and let it finish uncovered. Once done, let the pan rest for 5 minutes—just enough time for the juices in the salmon and rice to settle for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle over a flurry of freshly chopped parsley and lay a few lemon slices across the top. When you bring this skillet to the table, it will look so inviting that everyone will want to dig in straight away! Enjoy your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe warm, and watch those plates clear in record time.
How to Serve One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon slices are more than just decorative—they brighten up each serving with freshness and a pop of color. You could also sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest or a little cracked black pepper if you want to intensify the flavors just before serving. These simple garnishes make the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe shine, both in flavor and in looks.
Side Dishes
This dish is truly a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve it with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or even crusty bread to soak up the juices. Each of these sides complements the zingy, herby notes of the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, serve salmon and rice directly from the skillet at the table, family-style. Or, plate each portion individually and top with microgreens or thinly sliced radishes for a restaurant feel. You can also make mini versions in small ovenproof dishes for a dinner party that will seriously impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where the flavors meld even further, for up to two days. The rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, but everything will taste just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While the salmon itself freezes well, rice can sometimes change texture. If you’d like to freeze portions, do so as soon as the dish has cooled, placing them in tightly sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture—and try to enjoy within one month for maximum flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe again, simply reheat in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until warmed through. If the rice looks dry, splash a little extra broth or water over the top before reheating to bring back its fluffy texture and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and might require additional liquid. You may need to par-cook the rice first or adjust the oven time so that both the rice and salmon are done perfectly.
What can I substitute for salmon in this recipe?
Trout or cod work beautifully as substitutes. Both have a mild, flaky texture that holds up well to the same cooking method—just keep an eye on the cook time, as thinner fillets may cook a little faster.
Do I need a special pan to make the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe?
Nope! Any large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish will do the trick. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold everything and cover tightly to trap steam so the rice cooks evenly.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or a quick dinner the next day. Just reheat gently so the salmon stays tender.
How do I get a crispier salmon top?
For crispier salmon, simply uncover the pan for the last five minutes of baking. You can also broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra golden, crackly skin.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to make this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe part of your dinner rotation. It’s hard to beat a dish that delivers such vibrant flavors, hearty comfort, and effortless cleanup all in one go. If you give it a try, I promise you’ll be reaching for that skillet again and again!
Print
One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Salmon and Rice recipe is a convenient and flavorful meal that combines tender salmon fillets with aromatic rice, cooked together in a single pan for easy cleanup. The dish is seasoned with zesty lemon and fragrant dill, making it a fresh and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onions and rice: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and rice, toasting for a couple of minutes.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Place salmon: Nestle salmon fillets on top of the rice, season, cover, and bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes.
- Optional peas: If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute salmon with trout or cod.
- Include spinach or asparagus for added vegetables.
- For a crispier salmon top, uncover during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with rice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
