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This creamed corn orzo with salmon combines rich, flaky fish with a comforting, creamy pasta base for a restaurant-quality meal made right in your home kitchen. The contrast between the perfectly seared, cajun-spiced salmon and the sweet corn orzo creates a dish that feels both indulgent and balanced.
I first made this dish when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our home. The empty plates and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know. Now it's my go-to impressive dinner that doesn't keep me trapped in the kitchen all evening.
Ingredients
- Skinless salmon fillets: Choose center-cut pieces of equal thickness for even cooking
- Cajun seasoning: Provides a perfect flavor contrast to the sweet corn and creamy orzo
- Fresh corn kernels: Using fresh corn makes all the difference in texture and sweetness
- Orzo pasta: This small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious sauce base that binds everything together
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce
- Fresh thyme: Brings brightness and earthy notes that cut through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Season:
- Pat salmon completely dry with paper towels for better searing. Season generously on both sides with the salt, garlic powder and Cajun seasoning, pressing spices gently into the flesh. Prepare all vegetables before starting to cook as this recipe moves quickly once you begin.
- Shave the Corn:
- Stand corn cob vertically on cutting board and slice downward with a sharp knife, allowing kernels to fall onto the board. Rotate and repeat until all kernels are removed. This technique prevents kernels from flying across your kitchen and captures all the sweet corn milk.
- Sear the Salmon:
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place salmon presentation side down first and resist the urge to move it for at least 3 minutes. This develops that gorgeous golden crust. Flip once and cook second side for 3-4 minutes until just barely cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- In the same pan with all those flavorful salmon bits, cook garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant. This aromatic foundation will infuse throughout the entire dish. Add the orzo and corn to toast briefly, which develops nutty notes in the pasta and intensifies the corn sweetness.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- After the orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is nearly tender, stir in the Parmesan, cream, and lemon juice. The combination creates a velvety sauce that coats each grain of pasta. Return the salmon to warm through in this creamy mixture without overcooking it.
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My favorite part of this recipe is cutting fresh corn kernels off the cob. That sweet smell instantly transports me to summer family barbecues, even in the middle of winter. I always steal a few raw kernels while cooking, something my grandmother taught me to do as a child.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components separately if needed. Cook the orzo mixture up to the point before adding cream and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the orzo mixture, add the cream and cheese, then sear fresh salmon. This prevents the fish from becoming overcooked when reheating.
Seasonal Variations
Summer brings the sweetest corn, perfect for this dish at its peak flavor. In winter months, use frozen corn kernels thawed and patted dry. For spring, add fresh peas or asparagus tips to brighten the dish. Fall calls for stirring in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the final minute of cooking.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this creamy salmon dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A chilled Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy elements without overwhelming the delicate salmon. For a complete dinner party menu, start with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a small cup of chilled cucumber soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep salmon tender when searing?
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. Avoid overcrowding and cook for 3-4 minutes per side without overcooking.
- → Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen corn before adding it to the skillet to maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture may slightly change.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
The dish can be partially prepped by cooking the orzo and salmon ahead. Store separately and reassemble before serving for best results.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
A light green salad or steamed veggies complement this rich and creamy dish perfectly.