Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli: A Simple, Tasty Meal
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a wholesome, flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The zesty lemon butter sauce complements tender salmon, while crispy potatoes and vibrant broccoli round out the meal. This guide walks you through how to make it, shares practical tips for success, and explains why this recipe is a keeper. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s easy, healthy, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
This dish is a winner for its fresh flavors and ease of preparation. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and Complete: A full meal in one pan, ready in under an hour.
- Bright and Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce adds a fresh, tangy kick to the rich salmon.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and veggies for a nutritious dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan keeps your kitchen tidy.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
Follow these steps to create a delicious, well-balanced meal. This recipe serves 4 but can be adjusted easily.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the lemon butter sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the potatoes and broccoli:
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Tongs
Steps
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Spread potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Add the Broccoli:
- Toss broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, push potatoes to one side, and add broccoli to the other side. Return to the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt to make the sauce.
- Brush half the lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Bake the Salmon:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and make space in the center for the salmon fillets.
- Place salmon on the sheet and roast for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Brush the remaining lemon butter sauce over the salmon halfway through cooking.
- Serve:
- Transfer salmon, potatoes, and broccoli to plates. Garnish salmon with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
These tips will help you get the best results:
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy smell. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon works best.
- Get Crispy Potatoes: Place potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Keep Broccoli Vibrant: Add broccoli later to avoid overcooking. It should be tender but still bright green.
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Check for doneness early to keep the salmon moist. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Zest the Lemon First: Zest your lemon before juicing to make the process easier and get the most flavor.
- Make Extra Sauce: Double the lemon butter sauce for drizzling over the potatoes and broccoli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out great:
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon dries out quickly. Check it at 8 minutes to avoid going past the ideal texture.
- Soggy Potatoes: Ensure the baking sheet is hot and potatoes are spaced out to get a crispy exterior.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Too many ingredients too close together leads to steaming instead of roasting. Use a large sheet or cook in batches if needed.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Season each component (salmon, potatoes, broccoli) separately for balanced flavor.
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest give a brighter, more authentic taste.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is versatile and fits many moments:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick enough for busy evenings, with minimal cleanup.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep salmon moist.
- Healthy Eating: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Dinner Parties: The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an impressive yet easy dish for guests.
The zesty sauce and crispy sides make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal with these pairings:
- Sides: A light green salad or crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
- Drinks: White wine like Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling water with lemon, or iced herbal tea.
- Dessert: Lemon sorbet or fresh berries with whipped cream for a light, refreshing finish.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a simple, flavorful meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. The tangy lemon butter sauce elevates the tender salmon, while the crispy potatoes and broccoli add texture and balance. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this one-pan dish is easy to make and sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight for a fresh, satisfying dinner!
