Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli – A Perfect One-Pan Meal

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner, this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is the perfect choice. With its rich, buttery sauce infused with zesty lemon, crispy golden potatoes, and perfectly roasted broccoli, this dish is both elegant and simple. Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this one-pan meal is packed with omega-3s, fiber, and vitamins—ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Convenience – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
✔ Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home – The lemon butter sauce elevates the dish.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A mix of crispy, savory, and citrusy notes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon & Marinade:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for serving)

For the Crispy Potatoes:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Roasted Broccoli:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan (if using).
3. Spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Marinade

4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
5. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and coat them with the marinade. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while the potatoes roast.

Step 3: Add Broccoli & Salmon to the Pan

6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven after 15 minutes, pushing the potatoes to one side.
7. Add broccoli florets to the other side of the pan, tossing them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
8. Place the marinated salmon fillets in the center of the pan, skin-side down.

Step 4: Bake Everything Together

9. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the potatoes are crispy.
10. If desired, broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get a golden, crispy top on the salmon.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

11. Remove the pan from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.
12. Serve immediately with extra lemon butter sauce from the pan.

Tips for the Best Salmon

✅ Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
✅ Pat dry the fillets before marinating to help the sauce adhere.
✅ Don’t overcook! Salmon should be tender and flaky (125–130°F for medium doneness).
✅ For extra crispiness, sear the salmon in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

🌿 With a Side Salad – Try a simple arugula and avocado salad.
🍷 Pair with Wine – A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish beautifully.
🥖 Serve with Bread – Warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for a quick meal.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the salmon ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating to ensure it absorbs the flavors properly.

2️⃣ What can I substitute for broccoli?

If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try using asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or zucchini for a similar roasted texture.

3️⃣ How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium doneness.

4️⃣ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for extra olive oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.

5️⃣ What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.

6️⃣ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Marinate the salmon ahead of time (up to 24 hours) and chop the veggies in advance for a quick meal.

7️⃣ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread, quinoa, a fresh arugula salad, or a light lemony couscous for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a game-changer for quick and satisfying dinners. It’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to make—plus, it’s all cooked on one sheet pan! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

For those who love the ease of a one-pan meal, pairing this Lemon Butter Salmon with a warm, comforting side like Diced Carrot Frozen Recipes for Dinner can add a nutritious and flavorful touch. If you’re looking for another seafood option with a creamy twist, you might enjoy this Irresistible Creamy Coconut Shrimp recipe. Additionally, for those who love a cozy pairing, a bowl of Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup makes a great complement to the richness of the salmon. Looking for more inspiration? Check out Easy Asian Recipes for bold flavors that pair well with salmon.