Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes (Printable version)
Pan-seared salmon with zesty lemon butter sauce, crispy roasted potatoes, and tender broccoli for a complete healthy meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish & Marinade
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or off as preferred)
02 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 1 tbsp lemon juice (from above)
08 - 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
→ Crispy Potatoes
09 - 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - ½ tsp dried thyme
12 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Broccoli
14 - 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread potatoes cut side down on half of the baking sheet. Toss broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange on the other half.
04 - Roast potatoes and broccoli for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden and crisp and broccoli is tender, tossing halfway through cooking.
05 - Pat salmon fillets dry. In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, half the lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
06 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down (if skin-on), and sear for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more, until just cooked through.
07 - Reduce heat to low; add butter, remaining lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the pan. Spoon the melted lemon butter over the salmon to glaze.
08 - Serve salmon with crispy potatoes and broccoli, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The lemon butter sauce turns an ordinary weeknight into something that feels like a celebration
- Everything cooks on one baking sheet while the salmon sizzles in a skillet, making cleanup remarkably simple
02 -
- Soaking potato halves in cold water for 20 minutes before roasting removes excess starch for extra crispiness
- Don't overcrowd the salmon in the pan or it will steam instead of getting that gorgeous sear
03 -
- Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking for more even results
- Let the finished salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy