If you’re craving a dinner that feels both luxurious and comforting, the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, flaky salmon bathed in a bright lemon butter sauce alongside perfectly roasted, crispy potatoes and vibrant, caramelized broccoli. Each component plays its part, creating a harmonious plate that looks stunning and tastes even better. From the first bite, you’ll fall in love with the blend of zesty, savory, and crunchy textures that make this meal an absolute showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of classic ingredients. Each one is essential in building layers of flavor—from the fresh lemon juice that brightens the salmon to the garlic and smoked paprika giving the potatoes that irresistible crunch and warmth. The colorful broccoli adds a fresh, earthy contrast, making this plate as vibrant as it is satisfying.
- Salmon fillets (4, skin-on or skinless): Fresh and flaky, the star protein of this dish.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons): Helps crisp the potatoes and broccoli while lending a smooth richness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Infuses the salmon with a silky lemon butter finish.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the richness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and a yummy savory note across the whole dish.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) or fresh thyme (1 tablespoon): Brings an herbal lift to the lemon butter sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every element perfectly.
- Potatoes (4 medium, Yukon Gold or red, cut into 1-inch cubes): Crispy, golden, and tender for the perfect side.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the potatoes’ flavor without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the potatoes a subtle smoky warmth.
- Broccoli (1 bunch, cut into florets): Roasted until perfectly tender with a slight char.
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure each piece is well-coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they roast evenly. Roasting for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway, will yield that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy center that makes these potatoes irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon
While the potatoes crisp up, combine your melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried or fresh thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful mixture will elevate the salmon, giving it a luxurious coating that feels fresh and indulgent.
Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter mixture, making sure every corner is coated. The key is that lemon butter bath that’ll keep the salmon moist and tender. Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes at the same 400°F oven until it flakes easily with a fork, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Add and Roast the Broccoli
Once your potatoes have roasted for about 25-30 minutes and are nearly done, add the broccoli florets to the same baking sheet. Toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast them alongside the potatoes for another 10-15 minutes until they are tender with lovely golden edges. This step saves cleanup and perfectly synchronizes your sides to come together at the same time.
Step 5: Serve Your Masterpiece
As soon as everything is done, plate your flaky lemon butter salmon alongside the crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli. The timing ensures that each element maintains its texture and flavor—the salmon juicy, the potatoes crisp, and the broccoli tender. This is the heart of the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe—simple ingredients elevated by thoughtful preparation.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished salmon with a few fresh thyme leaves or some finely chopped parsley to add a pop of green and fresh herbal aroma. A twist of lemon zest or a thin lemon slice on top pairs beautifully, giving an instant lift to the rich butter sauce. These small touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making your meal look like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a complete meal with the crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli, but if you want to add something extra, a tangy cucumber salad or a light mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Alternatively, serving warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser and great to soak up any leftover lemon butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate the salmon fillet on a bed of potatoes and arrange the broccoli florets around it artfully. Drizzle any leftover lemon butter sauce over everything just before serving. For a family-style meal, serve everything on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs so guests can help themselves. This approach makes the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe feel warm and inviting at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon remains moist while the potatoes and broccoli keep their texture if refrigerated promptly. Separate containers for the salmon and vegetables can help maintain flavors and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While fresh is best with this recipe, you can freeze cooked salmon and potatoes in individual portions wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. The broccoli doesn’t freeze as well due to its texture, so it’s better fresh. Frozen portions will keep safely for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through (about 10 minutes), which helps keep it moist without overcooking. Reheat potatoes and broccoli separately in a hot skillet or oven to restore their crispiness instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy. This way, your leftovers are almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for that perfect sear and butter glaze.
What type of potatoes work best for crispy roasted potatoes?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully without becoming mealy or falling apart.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
While roasting is ideal for the crispy texture, you can pan-sear the salmon and sauté the potatoes and broccoli on the stovetop. Just cook the potatoes low and slow to develop a golden crust and steam the broccoli lightly.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside. Overcooking will dry it out, so start checking at the 12-minute mark.
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Definitely! Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts also roast beautifully and pair well with lemon butter salmon and crispy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe enough—it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for any night of the week. The bright citrus, rich butter, and crisp veggies come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and color. Go ahead and give this recipe a try; it might just become your new go-to for a comforting, impressive meal!
Print
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for any night of the week. Roasted to perfection, the salmon is infused with a zesty lemon butter sauce, while the golden, crispy potatoes and tender roasted broccoli make a delightful side. This recipe combines simple ingredients with easy steps to deliver a balanced dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 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
Crispy Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), 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 the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensuring it’s hot enough for perfectly roasted potatoes and salmon.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to ensure they get golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the potatoes roast, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to blend all flavors.
- Prepare the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Brush the tops generously with the lemon butter mixture to impart moisture and flavor.
- Add Broccoli to Roast: After the potatoes have roasted for 25-30 minutes, add the broccoli florets onto the same baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then return to the oven to roast alongside the potatoes.
- Bake the Salmon: Put the salmon in the oven on a separate rack or wait until the potatoes are done, then 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 roasted broccoli. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy potatoes, make sure they are spread in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
- Skin-on salmon can help keep the fish moist during baking, but skinless works well too.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can be substituted, though fresh is preferred for brightness.
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth to the potatoes but can be omitted or replaced with regular paprika if desired.
- Feel free to adjust garlic and thyme quantities based on your preference for stronger or milder flavors.
