Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a wholesome, vibrant, and satisfying dish that combines tender salmon fillets with the tangy zest of lemon butter, crispy roasted potatoes, and perfectly cooked broccoli. The dish is balanced, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures—from the buttery salmon to the crispy golden potatoes and the fresh, slightly charred broccoli.

This meal is not only nutrient-dense but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The recipe is designed to make the best use of the oven, so there’s minimal stovetop cooking required, making clean-up easier as well. The flavors are simple but rich, thanks to the butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, which complement the natural richness of the salmon.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the potatoes and ensuring they become crispy and golden while the salmon and broccoli cook.

2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. If they are small, simply halve them; if they are larger, cut them into quarters. This ensures they cook evenly and have more surface area for crispiness.

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3. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

4. Roast the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Salmon

1. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a rich, tangy sauce to enhance the flavor of the salmon.

2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the salmon crisp up nicely during cooking. Season the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. Spoon the lemon butter mixture over the top of each fillet, making sure they are generously coated. If you have extra sauce, you can drizzle it over the salmon halfway through cooking.

4. Bake in the Oven: Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them. A thicker fillet may need an extra minute or two. The salmon will be perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Season the Broccoli: While the potatoes and salmon are cooking, prepare the broccoli. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into florets of equal size to ensure even cooking. Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl.

2. Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the broccoli in the oil and seasonings, making sure it is evenly coated. You can also add lemon zest at this point for a burst of citrusy freshness.

3. Roast the Broccoli: After the potatoes have cooked for about 15 minutes, add the broccoli to the baking sheet with the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Roast everything for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy at the edges.

4. Check for Doneness: The broccoli should be slightly charred on the edges and fork-tender when done. You can also broil the broccoli for 2-3 minutes at the end to get extra crispy edges if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Plate the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and set them aside.

2. Plate the Salmon: When the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer the fillets to serving plates. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce from the baking sheet over the top of the salmon for added flavor.

3. Add the Broccoli: Serve the roasted broccoli alongside the salmon and crispy potatoes. If you want to elevate the dish further, sprinkle some fresh parsley or dill over the broccoli for added freshness.

4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra lemon wedges on the side, and enjoy the crispy, buttery salmon with roasted potatoes and tender broccoli!

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

• Adjusting the Salmon: If you prefer your salmon more well-done or rare, adjust the cooking time. For a crispy skin, make sure the skin side is facing up when baking.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salmon before baking or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon butter sauce.
• Oven Space: If you’re short on space in the oven, you can bake the potatoes and salmon on separate racks. Just keep an eye on them and rotate the pans halfway through.
• Extra Flavor: You can add a dash of white wine or chicken broth to the lemon butter sauce for an added depth of flavor.
• Meal Prep: This meal is great for meal prep. Simply cook everything as directed, let it cool, and store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Variations of Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Potatoes and Broccoli: Instead of salmon, use shrimp for a lighter, quicker version of this meal. Toss the shrimp in lemon butter and garlic before baking. Shrimp cook much faster than salmon, so reduce the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes.

2. Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Broccoli: If you prefer chicken, swap out the salmon for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The cooking time will need to be adjusted, as chicken thighs take about 35-40 minutes to cook through at 400°F (200°C).

3. Mediterranean Version: Add Mediterranean flavors by tossing the potatoes in a mix of olive oil, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. Top the salmon with olives, capers, and feta cheese before baking for a Greek-inspired twist.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a slightly sweeter variation, replace the baby potatoes with roasted sweet potatoes. They’ll pair beautifully with the buttery, lemony flavors of the salmon and broccoli.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

1. Flavorful and Balanced: The rich, buttery lemon salmon pairs perfectly with crispy, seasoned potatoes and tender, charred broccoli. The combination is satisfying yet healthy.
2. Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this dish, but the flavor is impressive and delightful.
3. Nutrient-Dense: This meal is packed with lean protein from the salmon, healthy fats from the butter and salmon, and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and potatoes.
4. One-Pan Ease: With everything roasting in the oven, there’s minimal stovetop work, making this dish an easy choice for busy nights.
5. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your tastes, whether you prefer more spices, a different vegetable, or even a different protein source.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is the ideal dish for those seeking a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful meal. With tender salmon, crispy potatoes, and perfectly roasted broccoli, this meal is sure to impress anyone who sits down to it. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and most importantly, incredibly delicious.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the fresh, light flavors of salmon while still indulging in the crispy, golden potatoes and nutrient-packed vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it will surely become a go-to meal in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

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Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a wholesome, vibrant, and satisfying dish that combines tender salmon fillets with the tangy zest of lemon butter, crispy roasted potatoes, and perfectly cooked broccoli. The dish is balanced, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures—from the buttery salmon to the crispy golden potatoes and the fresh, slightly charred broccoli.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the crispy potatoes:
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
• For the salmon:
• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crispy potatoes:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Toss the baby potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary (if using).
   Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
   
2. Prepare the salmon:
   While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (or adjust to a slightly lower temperature if you’re baking everything on one tray).
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
   Drizzle the lemon butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
   Once the potatoes have been roasting for about 15 minutes, place the salmon on the same or a separate baking sheet (if there’s room) and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
   
3. Prepare the broccoli:
   While the salmon is baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   Add the broccoli florets, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using), and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
   
4. Serve:
   Plate the salmon fillets, crispy potatoes, and sautéed broccoli.
   Garnish the salmon with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of additional lemon juice, if desired.
   Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can prep the potatoes and broccoli while the salmon is baking, which helps to streamline the cooking process.
• If you want even crispier potatoes, consider parboiling them for a few minutes before roasting.
• For a different twist, you could add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the broccoli for extra flavor.
• Feel free to add a side salad or a dip like ranch or tzatziki if desired.