For years the only type of seafood I would even consider eating was frozen fish sticks. Then senior year of high school I went to a wedding and had salmon as my dinner option…how in world had I gone this long without eating salmon? But after that night I didn’t have salmon again until graduating from college and moving back in with my parents. As you can see, my relationship with salmon has been very on and off, but we have definitely been on lately.
My favorite type of salmon is barbequed, but because that’s not always possible a great salmon packet is my next go to. My dad went through a phase in our kitchen of cooking tons of meals from this $1 Diet Cookbook that my mom found at the library, and that’s how this recipe came to be. It’s healthy, quick & easy, and taste amazing.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 (5 ounce Salmon filets)
- Salt and Pepper
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 4 ounces of orzo
- ½ teaspoon dried Basil Leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried Oregano Leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- Parchment Paper (2 large pieces)
DIRECTIONS
Start by removing the skin from salmon (Pro Tip: Look up a youtube video on how best to do this, if you don’t already know how. It saved me.). In a glass bowl, season the salmon with salt and pepper. Mix together the lemon juice and garlic and pour over the salmon. Set aside and let marinate for fifteen minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
While the salmon is marinating, prepare the orzo according to package directions (usually boils for nine minutes). My dad’s personal preference is usually to check for doneness by taking some orzo out at the eight-minute mark and biting into it. If it’s to your liking then drain and set aside.
At this point, you’re going to cut two large pieces of parchment paper and divide the orzo onto the middle of each piece. Sprinkle the orzo with basil and oregano before laying a salmon fillet on top. Sprinkle the salmon with more basil and oregano. Place two tomato slices on top of the salmon (side by side) and sprinkle with green onions and feta cheese.
Lastly, bring the sides of the paper to the middle and fold over once, and then twist the ends together, sealing the packet. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for thirty to thirty-five minutes…until the salmon flakes with a fork. Enjoy!
