Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that delivers both elegance and comfort, Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together flaky, melt-in-your-mouth salmon glazed in a zesty lemon-butter sauce, crispy roasted potatoes with that perfect golden crunch, and broccoli florets that are as vibrant as they are delicious. It’s a complete dinner that’s quick enough for busy nights but so impressive you’ll want to share it with friends and family. Every bite bursts with flavor and freshness, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role, adding flavor, color, and texture to create a truly satisfying meal.
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon is the star of this dish—choose skin-on or skinless as you prefer for rich taste and tender texture.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting and brushing, olive oil ensures everything turns out beautifully crisp and golden.
- Butter: Melted butter creates that signature silky, lemony sauce that soaks into the salmon.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity, lifting all the flavors and making the dish feel extra fresh.
- Lemon Zest: Just a teaspoon of zest infuses the dish with vibrant citrus aroma.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives both the salmon and potatoes a savory depth.
- Dried or Fresh Thyme: Earthy thyme pairs perfectly with salmon and vegetables for a subtle herby note.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every element of the dish just right.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes roast up with creamy insides and crispy edges, making every bite irresistible.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder boosts the potato flavor even more.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the roasted potatoes.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets roast alongside the potatoes, staying green and tender-crisp.
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While you wait for it to heat, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure every piece is evenly coated—this is the secret to those perfectly golden, crispy potatoes. Spread them out on a large baking sheet in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the potatoes roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through roasting so they crisp up on all sides. The goal is a crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy center—the kind of potatoes you’ll want to snag straight from the pan!
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Sauce
While the potatoes are working their magic, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This combo is what gives Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli its signature punch of flavor. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen.
Step 4: Get the Salmon Ready
Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Brush the fillets generously with the lemon butter mixture, making sure to coat every surface. If you have a little extra sauce, save it for drizzling after baking!
Step 5: Add the Broccoli to the Potatoes
After the potatoes have roasted for 25 to 30 minutes and are starting to turn golden, add the broccoli florets right onto the same baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This lets the broccoli pick up some of the delicious flavors already on the pan, and keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Now it’s time for everything to come together. Place the salmon in the oven on a separate rack (or after removing the potatoes and broccoli if you’re working with one oven). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The lemon butter sauce will bubble and caramelize slightly, making the salmon irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is ready, plate the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli while it’s piping hot. Spoon any extra lemon butter over the top and get ready for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This is the kind of dinner that disappears fast!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and a hint of garden freshness. A few thin slices of lemon or extra zest on top of the salmon really make the citrus shine. If you love a little crunch, try adding toasted almond slivers or pine nuts over the broccoli.
Side Dishes
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a light cucumber-dill sauce. For something extra special, serve alongside a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this meal into a restaurant-worthy experience by plating the salmon fillets atop a bed of potatoes, with broccoli arranged artfully on the side. Garnish with a tangle of microgreens or edible flowers for a splash of color. For a family-style dinner, serve everything on a big platter in the center of the table and let everyone dig in together—it’s guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the salmon, potatoes, and broccoli separately if possible to keep their textures at their best.
Freezing
While the potatoes and broccoli are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may soften after freezing, so it’s not ideal for the whole dish.
Reheating
To reheat Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli, place the salmon and veggies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until heated through. This helps keep the salmon moist and the potatoes crispy. For a quick option, use the microwave, but cover the food with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps the lemon butter sauce stick better and ensures even cooking.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
Broccolini, asparagus, or green beans are all great alternatives. Just keep in mind their roasting times might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as they cook.
Is it possible to make Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute a dairy-free butter alternative or use extra olive oil for the lemon sauce. The flavors will still be bright and delicious!
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Depending on thickness, it usually takes 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F. If you have a thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 145°F at the thickest part.
Can I prepare the elements ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes and broccoli in advance by cutting and seasoning them, then refrigerate until ready to roast. The lemon butter sauce can also be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly!
Final Thoughts
I hope you try Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli soon—it’s a dish that never fails to impress and always disappears fast. With its fresh flavors, easy prep, and beautiful presentation, this is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a delightful and balanced meal featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a zesty lemon butter sauce, perfectly roasted crispy potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, and vibrant roasted broccoli florets. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that comes together in under an hour, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Crispy Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Roasted Broccoli
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the potatoes and cooking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare and roast potatoes: In a bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and a crispy texture.
- Make lemon butter sauce: While the potatoes roast, combine melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix well to create the flavorful lemon butter sauce for the salmon.
- Prepare salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter mixture, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add broccoli to the potatoes: Once the potatoes have roasted for about 25-30 minutes and are golden and crispy, add the broccoli florets directly to the same baking sheet. Drizzle the broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the baking sheet to the oven to roast the broccoli alongside the potatoes.
- Bake salmon: Place the salmon in the oven on a separate rack or, once the potatoes are done, remove them to free space. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately: Plate the lemon butter salmon alongside the crispy roasted potatoes and broccoli. Serve hot for a deliciously balanced and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets based on your preference; skin-on helps keep the fish moist during cooking.
- For extra crispiness, make sure potatoes are spread in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried thyme for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Adjust the lemon juice and zest to taste if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- This dish can be prepared with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans if broccoli is not available.
- Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 salmon fillet with potatoes and broccoli)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
