Introduction
Craving a healthy and delicious dinner that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli recipe! This one-pan wonder combines flaky, perfectly cooked salmon with crispy, golden potatoes and tender-crisp broccoli, all drizzled in a tangy and savory lemon butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up in your own kitchen in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family or enjoy a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli: The Ultimate Guide
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together on a single baking sheet, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor.
- Balanced Meal: Protein-packed salmon, nutritious vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates combine for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The bright lemon butter sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon and the earthiness of the potatoes and broccoli.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, this dish can be on the table in under 60 minutes.
- Healthy & Delicious: A guilt-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon Fillets: Skin on or off, about 6-8 ounces each. Choose wild-caught for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets, cut into similar size to the potatoes.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, melted.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon, both juice and zest.
- Garlic: Minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Olive Oil: For tossing the vegetables.
- Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning, dried thyme, or dried oregano add depth.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon wedges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss the potatoes and broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: While the vegetables are roasting, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Salmon: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Create space for the salmon fillets amongst the vegetables. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets and vegetables.
- Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Salmon
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the size of the vegetable pieces.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or carrots.
- Add Some Spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the lemon butter sauce for a touch of heat.
Variations & Substitutions
- Herb Roasted Salmon: Substitute the lemon butter sauce with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and dill.
- Garlic Parmesan Salmon: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the lemon butter sauce for a cheesy twist.
- Sheet Pan Shrimp & Veggies: Replace the salmon with shrimp for a different seafood option.
- Sweet Potato Version: Replace the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Spice it up!: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the vegetables before roasting.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Its one-pan convenience and delicious taste make it a weeknight winner. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying culinary experience. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and substitutions to create your own signature version of this delightful dish!
