Get ready to fall in love with a dish that delights all your senses — the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe brings together flaky, tender salmon bathed in a bright, buttery lemon sauce, perfectly paired with golden, crispy potatoes and tender, flavorful roasted broccoli. This meal is not only a feast for the eyes but also a balanced combination of textures and bold flavors that are sure to satisfy weeknight diners and special guests alike. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this dish is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one is essential in building the full depth of flavor, impressive texture, and vibrant color. From the citrus zing of fresh lemon to the earthy aroma of thyme and the smoky kick of paprika on the potatoes, every component has a starring role.
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor in your salmon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for roasting potatoes and broccoli, olive oil helps achieve that irresistible crispiness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds rich, creamy goodness that perfectly complements the tangy lemon juice.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes that cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor, giving an aromatic pop with every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory depth that amplifies the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Brings a subtle herbal earthiness to balance the lemon and butter.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every element to perfection.
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes: Their firm texture crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the potatoes with extra garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that makes the potatoes irresistible.
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets: Roasted until tender with a slight char that brings out natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling over broccoli to promote roasting and caramelization.
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment that crisps your potatoes and cooks the salmon evenly. It’s the perfect temperature to roast vegetables and salmon to perfection without drying anything out.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes
Toss your diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper right in a bowl. This coating is key to achieving those golden, crispy edges packed with flavor. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet so they roast evenly and get that fabulous crunch we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Roast until Crispy
Roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure every side is beautifully browned and crunchy. There’s something utterly satisfying about biting into these contrasty, crisp-yet-tender potatoes that pair so well with salmon.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
While the potatoes roast, mix together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This lemon butter sauce carries the freshness and richness that make the salmon so irresistible.
Step 5: Brush Salmon with Lemon Butter
Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Generously brush each fillet with your lemon butter mixture, allowing the flavors to soak in and create a glaze during baking.
Step 6: Add Broccoli to the Potatoes
Once the potatoes have about 10 minutes left, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then add them to the same baking sheet. This step saves time and lets the broccoli roast to tender, slightly charred perfection beside the potatoes.
Step 7: Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon in the oven on a separate rack or bake after the potatoes and broccoli are done. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains juicy and tender inside. This timing makes sure the salmon stays heavenly moist.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your perfectly cooked lemon butter salmon alongside the crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli while everything’s piping hot. This beautiful, balanced plate is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a combination of textures and zesty, buttery flavors you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add even more brightness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the salmon just before serving. A final squeeze of lemon juice over the top adds that extra zing to balance the rich butter.
Side Dishes
Though the potatoes and broccoli make this a full meal, you can add a light, refreshing side like a crisp garden salad or some quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon for extra texture and nutrition without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon fillets on a bed of lemon-infused couscous or alongside ribbons of zucchini noodles tossed in garlic and olive oil. These additions bring an elegant flair while complementing the core flavors of the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon remains delicious for up to two days, while potatoes and broccoli stay tasty for about three days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal on hand longer, you can freeze the cooked salmon and roasted vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Be sure to thaw them gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) on a baking sheet to prevent drying out, or use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, covering the dish to keep moisture locked in. This helps retain the lovely textures and flavors of the original meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for best results before cooking, so it cooks evenly and remains tender.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and crisp beautifully when roasted, giving you that perfect texture contrast.
Can I substitute the broccoli for another vegetable?
Definitely! Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans can be roasted alongside the potatoes and will work wonderfully with the lemon butter salmon flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque color throughout. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep a close eye near the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe perfectly balances fresh, zesty, and comforting flavors while being simple enough for any cook to pull off with confidence. It’s one of those dishes that impresses without stress and delivers satisfaction every time. Trust me, once you enjoy this harmonious plate, it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
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Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a wholesome, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are brushed with a zesty lemon butter sauce and baked to perfection alongside golden, crispy roasted potatoes and vibrant, tender broccoli. This recipe combines simple ingredients and oven roasting techniques to create a balanced meal with a delightful mix of textures and fresh flavors.
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
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broccoli
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and baking the salmon and broccoli.
- Prepare potatoes: In a bowl, toss the 1-inch cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes on a large baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.
- Roast potatoes: Place the potatoes in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Make lemon butter sauce: While potatoes roast, mix the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce for the salmon.
- Prepare salmon: Place salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter mixture to infuse them with bright citrus and herb flavors.
- Add broccoli to potatoes: After the potatoes have roasted for 25-30 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the same baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then return to the oven to roast together.
- Bake salmon: Place the salmon on a different oven rack or bake after removing the potato and broccoli tray. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the lemon butter salmon alongside the crispy roasted potatoes and tender broccoli, serving immediately to enjoy the freshness and textures at their best.
Notes
- For even crispier potatoes, soak potato cubes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting, then pat dry thoroughly.
- If using skin-on salmon, consider roasting skin-side down for crispiness.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to taste depending on desired citrus intensity.
- Feel free to substitute thyme with fresh rosemary or dill for a different herb flavor.
- Ensure broccoli florets are cut into similar sizes for even roasting.
- Optionally, broil salmon for the last 1-2 minutes for a slightly crisp top.
