When life calls for a meal that's both elegant and effortless, this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli answers with a resounding yes! It's a culinary triple threat: incredibly flavorful, nourishing, and best of all, a breeze to clean up thanks to its one-pan magic. Imagine the delicate, omega-rich salmon bathed in a bright lemon-butter sauce, nestled amongst golden, crunchy potatoes and vibrant, perfectly roasted broccoli. This dish transforms an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience, proving that healthy eating can be utterly delicious and incredibly simple.
The Joy of One-Pan Feasts
For those bustling evenings, a single sheet pan becomes your best friend. This method allows all the ingredients to cook together, infusing each component with a symphony of flavors while minimizing your time at the sink. It’s practical, efficient, and never skimps on taste. If you love quick dinners, you might also enjoy our Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Favorite:
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy schedules, this meal comes together in under 40 minutes, including prep.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with healthy fats from salmon, fiber from broccoli, and complex carbs from potatoes, it's a wholesome meal.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and savory seasonings elevates simple ingredients.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan means less washing, leaving you more time to savor your delicious creation.
Ingredients for a Bright & Flavorful Dinner
You'll find that the ingredients for this dish are fresh, simple, and readily available, ensuring a stress-free shopping trip.
What You'll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved (Yukon Golds or red potatoes recommended)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
A Quality Chef's Knife will make chopping your vegetables a breeze.
Crafting Your One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon
Initial Roast for Crispy Perfection
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is a game-changer for easy cleanup and preventing sticking!
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on one side of your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spread out and not overlapping to maximize crispiness.
Step 4: Place the baking sheet with potatoes into the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. This head start allows the potatoes to get a lovely golden-brown crust.
Adding the Freshness
Step 5: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the salmon. Season each salmon fillet with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This is your flavorful lemon-butter sauce!
Step 6: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently push the partially cooked potatoes to one side to make room. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the empty side, drizzle them with a touch of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
The Grand Finale
Step 7: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the baking sheet, nestled between the potatoes and broccoli. Spoon the vibrant lemon-butter mixture generously over each salmon fillet.
Step 8: Return the entire pan to the oven and continue baking for another 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the potatoes are tender-crisp. The broccoli should be bright green with slightly charred edges. For more details on salmon cooking, you can refer to the Wikipedia article on Salmon.
Garnish & Serve
Step 9: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish your beautiful dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon slices for an added touch of freshness and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Creative Variations
- Crispy Potatoes Secret: Pat your potatoes dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Herb Power: A sprinkle of fresh dill, thyme, or even a dash of dried Italian seasoning can add another dimension of flavor to the salmon.
- Veggie Swaps: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or sliced bell peppers. Adjust roasting times as needed.
- Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your lemon-butter sauce.
This meal is a complete delight on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. However, if you're looking to expand your spread, a light side salad or a serving of quinoa would be excellent additions. For another hearty and easy meal featuring potatoes, check out our recipe for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges.
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the salmon. You can also microwave, but the textures may not be as crisp.
A Weeknight Win!
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to enjoy healthy, delicious food without the fuss. It's proof that wholesome meals can be incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare. Give this one-pan wonder a try tonight, and prepare to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while baby potatoes work wonderfully, you can also use Yukon Golds, red potatoes, or even fingerlings. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and crispiness.
What are the best tips for perfectly flaky salmon?
To achieve perfectly flaky salmon, avoid overcooking it. Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145nrF (63nrC). The thickness of your fillet will determine the exact cooking time.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables a day in advance by chopping the potatoes and broccoli and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also mix the lemon butter sauce ahead of time. This will significantly cut down on active cooking time when you're ready to bake.
How can I ensure my broccoli gets tender-crisp, not soggy?
For tender-crisp broccoli, make sure it's not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Give the florets enough space to roast, allowing moisture to escape. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season well before roasting.
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy one-pan meal featuring flaky lemon butter salmon, golden crispy potatoes, and tender roasted broccoli.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 pound baby potatoes, halved (Yukon Golds or red potatoes work great)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425
F (220
C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on one side of your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they start to become beautifully golden and crisp at the edges.
Step 5: While the potatoes are getting perfectly crispy, season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 6: After the initial 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the partially roasted potatoes to one side. Add the broccoli florets to the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle the broccoli with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Nestle the seasoned salmon fillets between the potatoes and broccoli on the baking sheet. Drizzle that fragrant lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
Step 8: Return the entire pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the potatoes are tender-crisp and golden.
Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a few fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of this healthy and satisfying meal!
Notes
For best results, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure vegetables crisp up and salmon cooks evenly. Patting the potatoes dry before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the desired crispiness of your potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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