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Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli
Some dinners just feel like a reset button.
You know the kind — simple, nourishing, golden and crisp in all the right places. That’s exactly what this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli delivers.
It’s fresh. It’s comforting. It looks impressive. And somehow? It’s incredibly easy.
Juicy salmon coated in silky lemon butter. Crispy roasted potatoes with golden edges. Tender broccoli with just enough char. All cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
This is the kind of healthy salmon dinner you’ll come back to every week.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe
Let’s break down why this dish works so well:
- Balanced meal in one pan
- Crispy texture + tender flakiness
- Bright lemon flavor without overpowering
- Family-friendly but elegant enough for guests
- Ready in under 45 minutes
It’s basically restaurant-level salmon without the restaurant effort.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
Why Lemon Butter Is Magic on Salmon
Salmon is naturally rich and buttery. Adding lemon brightens it instantly, cutting through the richness and enhancing the fish’s natural flavor.
The garlic brings warmth. The butter adds depth. The zest intensifies the citrus aroma without extra acidity.
It’s simple — but it hits every flavor note.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Push potatoes to one side and add broccoli florets. Lightly drizzle broccoli with olive oil and season with salt.
- Place salmon fillets in the center of the pan. Brush generously with lemon butter mixture.
- Return pan to oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and potatoes are crispy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon slices.
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli
Juicy oven-baked salmon brushed with garlic lemon butter, served with crispy roasted potatoes and tender broccoli for a balanced and flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread evenly on the sheet pan.
- Roast potatoes for 20 minutes until beginning to crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Push potatoes to one side. Add broccoli and lightly drizzle with olive oil and salt.
- Place salmon fillets in the center of the pan. Brush generously with lemon butter mixture.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra crisp potatoes, preheat the sheet pan in the oven before adding them. Avoid overcooking the salmon to maintain moisture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon
1. Don’t Overcook
Salmon continues cooking after it comes out of the oven. Pull it when it flakes but still looks moist.
2. High Heat = Crispy Potatoes
425°F is key. Lower temperatures steam instead of crisp.
3. Use Even-Sized Potatoes
Uniform cuts ensure everything finishes at the same time.
4. Pat Salmon Dry
Removes excess moisture and helps butter stick better.
Variations
Add Heat
Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
Make It Creamy
Stir a tablespoon of heavy cream into the lemon butter sauce.
Swap the Veggies
Try asparagus, green beans, or zucchini instead of broccoli.
Air Fryer Option
Cook potatoes first at 400°F for 15 minutes, then add salmon and broccoli for another 8–10 minutes.
Health Benefits
Salmon is packed with:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- High-quality protein
- Vitamin D
- B vitamins
Broccoli adds fiber and antioxidants. Potatoes provide complex carbs and potassium.
This is comfort food that actually supports your body.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A light cucumber salad
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice
But honestly? It’s perfect as is.
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently at 300°F to prevent drying out.
Meal Prep Tip: Keep lemon butter separate and brush fresh before reheating.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry first.
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Roast them slightly longer before adding salmon.
Skin-on or skinless?
Both work. Skin-on adds extra flavor and helps retain moisture.
Why This Recipe Works
This sheet pan salmon dinner is balanced in timing:
- Potatoes start first for crisping.
- Salmon and broccoli cook quickly at high heat.
- Lemon butter ties everything together at the end.
It’s efficient, flavorful, and beautifully simple.
Final Thoughts
Some meals are complicated. This one isn’t.
Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli is bright, crisp, flaky, and deeply satisfying. It feels fresh but comforting. Fancy but easy.
It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular weeknight into something that feels intentional.
Make it once — and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.