Let me tell you, there’s something absolutely magical about the combination of lemon butter salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli! This dish has become my go-to weeknight dinner because it’s not only quick to whip up, but it also feels like a special treat. I remember the first time I made it—my friends were over, and I wanted to impress them without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. The aroma of lemon and garlic wafting through the house had everyone salivating before we even sat down! Plus, the crispy potatoes add just the right crunch to balance the buttery salmon and tender broccoli. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on your dinner rotation for sure!
Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get everything ready! Start by rinsing your salmon fillets under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This little step helps to achieve that gorgeous sear later on. Now, for the potatoes, I love using fresh baby potatoes because they’re tender and cook up beautifully. Just halve them, and don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic is charming! Also, make sure to mince that garlic finely; you want those little bits to infuse the butter sauce with flavor. And don’t forget to squeeze your fresh lemon juice—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Cooking the Crispy Potatoes
Okay, now let’s get those potatoes crispy! Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your halved baby potatoes. Let them boil for about 10 minutes until they’re just tender but not mushy. Once they’re ready, drain them well and let them sit for a minute to steam off some moisture. This is crucial because it helps them crisp up in the oven. Toss those little gems in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy—yum!
Preparing the Lemon Butter Sauce
While those potatoes are roasting, let’s whip up that luscious lemon butter sauce! In a skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and then add the minced garlic. You want to sauté that garlic just until it’s fragrant, which takes about a minute—don’t let it brown! Then, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir it all together. This sauce is where the magic happens, so keep it warm on low heat while you cook the salmon.
Cooking the Salmon and Broccoli
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the salmon! Season your fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same skillet with your lemon butter sauce, add the salmon. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s beautifully golden and flakes easily with a fork. About 5 minutes before the salmon is done, toss in those lovely broccoli florets. They’ll steam perfectly in the sauce and soak up all that lemony goodness! Once everything is cooked, plate it up with your crispy potatoes, salmon, and vibrant broccoli. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be on your table in just 45 minutes!
- Flavorful lemon butter sauce that elevates the salmon to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein from the salmon and nutrients from the broccoli.
- The crispy potatoes provide a delightful crunch that complements the tender salmon perfectly.
- Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one skillet and one baking sheet!
- Customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or seasonings.
- Looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party, but easy enough for a casual family meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your lemon butter salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli turns out absolutely fabulous! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure success:
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh salmon and broccoli. It really elevates the dish! If you can, get wild-caught salmon for the best flavor.
- Check the Thickness: Salmon fillets can vary in thickness, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your fillets are thinner, they might take just 3-4 minutes per side.
- Potato Variety: If you can’t find baby potatoes, feel free to use regular potatoes! Just cut them into small chunks to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Herb It Up: Want to amp up the flavor? Add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the lemon butter sauce right before serving. It adds a lovely freshness!
- Don’t Forget the Zest: For an extra zing, consider adding some lemon zest to the butter sauce. It intensifies that citrus flavor and smells heavenly!
- Make It Your Own: Swap out the broccoli for other veggies like asparagus or green beans if you prefer! Just adjust the cooking time so everything is perfectly tender.
- Keep an Eye on the Potatoes: You want those babies nice and crispy, so keep an eye on them during roasting! If they’re not golden after 25 minutes, give them a few more minutes.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with this dish. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for my lemon butter salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with potatoes and broccoli
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy all that lovely protein from the salmon alongside those wholesome veggies!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You’ll want to pat it dry to help achieve that beautiful sear and absorb all that lemon butter goodness.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can easily swap it for other veggies like asparagus, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetable you choose.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
Great question! Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you’re unsure, a good tip is to cut into it slightly—if it’s opaque and flakes apart, it’s ready!
Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, gently reheat it in a skillet before adding your salmon for that fresh burst of flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your lemon butter salmon, crispy potatoes, and broccoli fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave, taking care not to overcook the salmon.
Can I add more spices or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Adding spices like paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley can really enhance the flavor. Just sprinkle them on the salmon before cooking for an extra kick!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
For sure! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Just portion out the salmon, potatoes, and broccoli into meal containers, and you’ll have healthy lunches or dinners ready to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious lemon butter salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No worries, because I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them while keeping everything just as tasty as when it was fresh!
First up, to store your leftovers, let everything cool down to room temperature. Then, grab some airtight containers—trust me, this is key to keeping your meal fresh! You can either separate the salmon, potatoes, and broccoli into individual containers or keep them all together. Just make sure they’re tightly sealed. These beauties will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you won’t finish them in that time, consider freezing them for longer storage. Just remember to use freezer-safe containers!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ll want to do it gently to avoid overcooking the salmon. For the best results, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your salmon and veggies on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, that works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to ensure nothing gets rubbery!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your lemon butter salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli again without losing any of that delightful flavor!
Print
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes: 5-Star Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon butter salmon served with crispy potatoes and broccoli.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the halved potatoes for 10 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- In a skillet, melt butter and add garlic and lemon juice.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Add salmon to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Add broccoli to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven and stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with potatoes and broccoli
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lemon butter salmon, crispy potatoes, broccoli
