If you’re on the hunt for a simple, flavor-packed dinner with minimal mess and maximum satisfaction, look no further than this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe. It’s everything a cozy home-cooked meal should be: juicy salmon fillets nestled on a bed of fragrant rice, cooked with colorful veggies and vibrant spices, all melding together in the oven for an effortlessly elegant main course. The best part? It all happens in just one baking dish, so you can spend less time cleaning up and more time savoring every bite.

One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each one brings a little something special—whether it’s depth, color, or that signature savory bite. Together, they create a dish that truly celebrates the beauty of simplicity.

Salmon fillets: Choose skin-on fillets for the most flavor and to help keep the fish moist while baking.
Olive oil: A drizzle for richness and to help your seasonings stick and infuse into the salmon.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and contrast to the other seasonings.
Garlic powder: Brings a gentle, mellow garlic flavor throughout.
Paprika: Offers a touch of smokiness and a beautiful orange-red hue.
Long-grain white rice: The rice soaks up all those delicious juices and becomes tender and fragrant.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and flavorful—use vegetable broth for a pescatarian twist!
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and texture in every mouthful.
Garlic: Fresh garlic ups the aromatic factor and blends beautifully into the rice and vegetables.
Frozen peas: Sweet, tender, and a pop of color that makes the dish feel fresh and satisfying.
Shredded carrots: Add vibrant color and subtle sweetness with every forkful.
Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash brightens and brings all the flavors together at the very end.
Fresh parsley: The ultimate finishing touch for a shower of freshness and green.

How to Make One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon

Start by giving your salmon fillets some love! Pat them dry for better browning, then brush each with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This savory spa treatment ensures the fillets come out beautifully seasoned with a golden color that makes everyone’s mouth water. Let the seasoned salmon rest for a few minutes while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Build the Rice Base

Grab a large oven-safe skillet or a sturdy baking dish—the true secret weapon in this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe. Add the long-grain rice, chicken broth (or veggie broth for a pescatarian version), chopped onion, minced garlic, frozen peas, and shredded carrots straight into the pan. Give everything a gentle stir so the veggies and aromatics are evenly distributed throughout the rice. The broth will infuse the dish with rich flavor as it cooks, and the veggies add irresistible pops of color and taste.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Place the seasoned salmon fillets right on top of your lovely rice and veggie mixture. There’s something so satisfying about seeing all the components of dinner ready to go in one dish! Cover the whole pan tightly with foil—this helps steam the rice to fluffy perfection and keeps your salmon ultra-moist. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25 minutes to start the magic.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 25 minutes, peel back the foil (watch out for steam) and pop the pan back in the oven. Let it bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This final stint allows the salmon to finish cooking to tender, just-flaky doneness, while the rice becomes fully tender and absorbs every bit of flavor.

Step 5: Brighten and Garnish

When it’s time to serve, drizzle everything generously with fresh lemon juice and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This last step transforms the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe from comforting to absolutely crave-worthy—each bite is lively, fresh, and vibrant. Bring the pan right to the table and let everyone dig in!

How to Serve One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to play with both flavor and color. Beyond the must-have parsley and lemon juice, you could scatter on paper-thin lemon slices, a pinch of bright red pepper flakes for zip, or even a handful of microgreens for a chef-y flourish. These finishing touches not only make your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe look stunning, they add peppy layers of flavor that bring the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, consider serve it alongside steamed asparagus, a simple cucumber salad, or warm crusty bread for swooping up those last savory grains of rice. Each of these sides complements the salmon’s richness and rounds out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate dinner by serving straight from the pan at the table, giving that homey, share-and-enjoy vibe. For a more plated look, pile a scoop of rice and veggies onto each plate, then nestle a fillet of salmon on top. Add fresh garnish and a lemon wedge on the side—simple, elegant, and always impressive, whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual gathering of friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are absolutely worth saving! Once everything’s cooled, transfer the salmon and rice into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, making tomorrow’s lunch as delicious as tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to make extra or save a portion for a future craving, both the salmon and rice freeze well. Store in single-serve containers for easy meal prep; just be sure to wrap tightly to lock in moisture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat gently. The microwave works well on medium power if you cover the dish to retain moisture, or use a skillet on the stovetop with a splash more broth to keep the rice from drying out. The salmon can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking. In every case, go low and slow for the perfect encore.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just remember to add extra broth and plan for a longer cooking time, since brown rice takes longer to get tender. The nutty flavor of brown rice can add another layer of depth to the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe, making it extra hearty and wholesome.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley isn’t on hand, try chopped fresh dill or cilantro for a different twist, or use a sprinkle of dried herbs in a pinch. Each brings its own character to the One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe, so feel free to experiment based on what you love!

Is it okay to add more vegetables?

Yes, more veggies mean more fun! Try stirring in bell peppers, baby spinach, or chopped zucchini along with the peas and carrots. Just keep in mind that the pan shouldn’t get too crowded to ensure even cooking throughout your One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. If you have a thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 145°F. The final uncovered bake ensures gorgeous color and just the right doneness in this One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe.

Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?

Great news—this recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, provided your broth is certified gluten-free. It’s a deliciously allergy-friendly meal you can share with anyone around your table!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet added a go-to one-pan dinner to your weekly routine, this is your sign! The One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe is a true kitchen hero: simple, reliable, and full of flavor. Trust me, once you taste how easy and satisfying this dish is, you’ll be reaching for it time and time again. Give it a try and let it wow your family or guests—you might just fall in love at first bite!

One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Salmon and Rice Recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked salmon with seasoned rice for a delicious and satisfying meal. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Additional:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
Prepare the rice: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, peas, and shredded carrots. Stir to mix evenly.
Add the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the salmon is cooked through.
Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.