There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Lemon Butter Salmon wafting through my kitchen, bringing memories of family dinners and delighted faces. This dish quickly became a weeknight staple, effortlessly transforming busy evenings into a culinary experience that feels special. Crisp, golden potatoes and vibrant broccoli accompany perfectly seared salmon, all gracefully drizzled with a rich, buttery lemon sauce—making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Whenever I feel stuck in a rotation of takeout and fast food, this recipe offers a rejuvenating burst of flavor and nutrition that can be on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want to indulge yourself, Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and ease. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire!
Why Love Lemon Butter Salmon Today?
Quick and Easy: This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners pleasurable rather than stressful.
Wholesome Flavor: The combination of rich salmon, crispy potatoes, and tender broccoli paired with zesty lemon assures a delicious and nutritious meal.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds—you won’t believe how easily this dish wins over the whole family!
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant greens of the broccoli and golden-brown potatoes make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Meal Prep Friendly: Need a quick lunch option? This dish can easily be made ahead and stored for a satisfying meal later in the week.
Why not explore more delightful offerings by checking out our easy weeknight dinners for even more inspiration?
Lemon Butter Salmon Ingredients
For the Salmon
- Salmon fillets – Fresh or frozen (thawed) for a rich protein base.
- Unsalted butter – Adds luxurious richness to the lemon sauce; use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh lemon juice – Provides bright acidity; fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Garlic, minced – Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to your preference.
- Salt and pepper – Key seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
For the Vegetables
- Baby potatoes, halved – Ensure a satisfying crunch; any small potatoes will do.
- Olive oil – Helps achieve a crispy texture; avocado oil is a great substitute.
- Garlic powder and paprika – Infuse flavor into the potatoes; swap with onion powder if desired.
- Broccoli florets – Nutritious and vibrant; can substitute with asparagus or green beans.
For the Garnish
- Lemon slices – Brightens up the dish as a garnish for added freshness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of color; chives or thyme work as alternatives.
- Lemon zest (optional) – Enhances the lemon flavor; definitely recommended for a zesty touch!
Embrace the flavors of this delightful Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli, and watch your weeknight dinners transform!
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving those crispy potatoes that everyone loves.
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Prepare Potatoes: In a bowl, mix halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated. Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet, giving them room to crisp up beautifully.
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Roast Potatoes: Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 20 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown and tender.
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Add Broccoli: After 20 minutes, toss the broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then add them to the baking sheet with the potatoes. This allows everything to roast together and soak up those delicious flavors.
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Finish Roasting: Continue roasting the potatoes and broccoli for an additional 15-20 minutes until both are crisp and tender, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
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Sauté Garlic: While the veggies are roasting, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
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Add Lemon Sauce: Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the skillet. This zesty sauce will perfectly complement your salmon, so make sure to mix it well!
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Cook Salmon: In the skillet, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it flakes easily and is cooked through.
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Plate and Serve: Plate the salmon alongside the crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli. Now, drizzle the lemon butter sauce over everything, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for an extra touch!
Optional: Squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving for extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Lemon Butter Salmon
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the salmon stays moist and tender. Use a drizzle of lemon butter sauce for added flavor.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the crispy potatoes and broccoli in advance; store in the fridge and reheat before serving with the salmon for a quick, satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for Lemon Butter Salmon
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Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the salmon in lemon juice and garlic for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, creating a more delicious dish.
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Perfect Cooking Temperature: Make sure your salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for the best texture and flavor—avoid overcooking!
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Keep It Moist: Covering the salmon with foil while cooking can help retain moisture, preventing the fish from drying out during the cooking process.
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Crispy Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes have enough space on the baking sheet to roast evenly; overcrowding can lead to sogginess instead of crispiness.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh lemon juice and garlic elevates this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli from ordinary to exceptional, so opt for fresh when possible.
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the baby potatoes and broccoli up to 24 hours in advance by washing, cutting, and tossing them with olive oil, garlic powder, and seasonings before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and ready to roast. The lemon butter sauce can also be made ahead; simply store it in a separate container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, roast the veggies for about 20 minutes, cook the salmon for about 7-9 minutes, and enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli?
Create a delightful meal experience with perfect pairings that enhance every bite of the vibrant, buttery salmon.
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Garlic Bread: This warm and crusty delight is perfect for soaking up the luscious lemon butter sauce—every bite is a taste of bliss!
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Citrus Salad: A light salad featuring mixed greens, oranges, and a lemon vinaigrette adds refreshing brightness and balances the richness of the salmon.
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Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy side, infused with herbs and broth, offers a nutty flavor and light texture that complements the dish beautifully.
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Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus lightly steamed adds a gourmet touch with a mild flavor that harmonizes with both salmon and potatoes.
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White Wine: Serve a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal’s zest; its crisp acidity pairs wonderfully with the lemon butter sauce.
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Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet ending, a rich chocolate mousse acts as an indulgent contrast to the savory elements of the dish, leaving everyone satisfied.
Each of these pairings transforms your dinner into a special occasion, inviting warmth and deliciousness to your table.
Lemon Butter Salmon Variations
Dive into the world of flavors and textures, as you make this delightful dish your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with olive oil for the lemon sauce for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Herb-Infused: Try fresh dill or thyme; they’ll elevate the lemon sauce with a fragrant twist that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Swap broccoli for Brussels sprouts; their crispy texture adds a wonderful crunch you’ll love.
- Zesty Infusion: Add lemon zest to the sauce before drizzling over the salmon for an extra burst of lemony brightness.
Jazzing it up takes this dish to another level!
- Sweet Heat: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the salmon during the last few minutes of cooking. This creates a lovely glaze that’ll surprise your taste buds.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in carrots or bell peppers with the potatoes and broccoli for vibrant color and additional nutrients that make the dish even more appealing.
- Fish Variation: Experiment with different fish, like tilapia or haddock, to discover your favorite flavor profile. Each fish brings its unique taste, giving life to the meal!
With these variations, your Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli can become a new favorite recipe with endless possibilities!
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe FAQs
What type of salmon is best to use?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon fillets typically have the best flavor and texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, frozen salmon works wonderfully too—just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
After enjoying your Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli, let leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Lemon Butter Salmon?
Yes, you can! To freeze individual portions of this dish, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They should last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
What if my potatoes aren’t crispy?
Very! If your potatoes lack crispiness, make sure you’re using enough olive oil and that they aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet. Space them out to allow proper air circulation, which is key for achieving that golden-brown crunch.
Are there any dietary considerations?
Of course! This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli can be adapted for various dietary needs. To make it dairy-free, simply replace the unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. If there are seafood allergies, consider using chicken or tofu as a substitute protein option.
How can I enhance the flavor of the salmon?
I often recommend marinating the salmon in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes. For even more depth, you can add a teaspoon of your favorite herbs, like dill or thyme, to the marinade. This step will infuse your salmon with vibrant flavors and elevate your dish to another level!
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 20 minutes.
- Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then add them to the baking sheet.
- Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until crisp and tender.
- Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Plate the salmon with the crispy potatoes and broccoli; drizzle with lemon butter sauce and garnish.