Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli

A bright, buttery, restaurant-quality dinner made effortlessly at home

There are some dinners that feel instantly comforting and impressive at the same time — and Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli is exactly that kind of meal. It’s vibrant yet cozy, indulgent yet balanced, and simple enough for a weeknight while still elegant enough to serve guests.

This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon coated in a silky lemon butter sauce with perfectly roasted potatoes that crisp at the edges and broccoli that’s caramelized yet fresh. Everything comes together in one harmonious plate that hits all the right notes: savory, buttery, citrusy, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping healthy dinners, or craving a comforting seafood dish that doesn’t feel heavy, this recipe delivers every single time.

Why This Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe Works

This dish succeeds because it balances texture, flavor, and timing perfectly:

• The salmon cooks quickly, staying moist and flaky while soaking up lemony butter.
• The potatoes roast until golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy inside.
• The broccoli roasts just long enough to develop charred edges without losing its bite.
• Lemon brightens the butter, preventing richness from feeling overwhelming.

It’s a complete meal on one plate — protein, vegetables, and carbs — without needing complicated steps or fancy tools.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• Salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh lemon (zest and juice)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Crispy Potatoes

• Baby potatoes, halved
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika or garlic powder (optional)

For the Broccoli

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning. Spread them cut-side down on one side of the baking sheet.
3. Roast potatoes first: Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes until they begin to turn golden and crispy.
4. Prepare broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add broccoli: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add broccoli beside the potatoes. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Season salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
7. Make lemon butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
8. Add salmon: Push vegetables slightly aside and place salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Spoon lemon butter over each fillet.
9. Finish roasting: Return the sheet to the oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli

Flaky lemon butter salmon served with crispy roasted potatoes and tender broccoli for a balanced, flavorful dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lb baby potatoes halved
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet.
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
3. Add broccoli to the baking sheet and roast 10 minutes more.
4. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
5. Melt butter with garlic, lemon zest, and juice.
6. Add salmon to pan, spoon lemon butter over top, and roast 10–12 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Salmon

• Pat salmon dry before seasoning — it helps achieve a better texture.
• Don’t overcook: Salmon should be just opaque and flaky.
• Cut potatoes evenly so they crisp at the same rate.
• Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor — bottled juice won’t compare.
• Roast on high heat to get crispy vegetables without drying out the salmon.

Variations & Customizations

• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Sprinkle grated parmesan over potatoes in the last 5 minutes.
• Honey Lemon Salmon: Add a teaspoon of honey to the butter for subtle sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the lemon butter.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for extra broccoli or cauliflower.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook potatoes first, then broccoli and salmon separately at 390°F.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is already complete, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A light green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed rice or quinoa
• Crusty bread to soak up lemon butter sauce

It’s perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Special occasions
• Clean-eating lifestyles

Fun Food Fact

Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. Pairing it with healthy fats like butter and olive oil helps enhance flavor and nutrient absorption — proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.