Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that’s both luxurious and nourishing, and Lemon Butter Salmon Skillet with Garlic Roasted Broccoli is just that. This recipe celebrates simple ingredients transformed into a restaurant-worthy meal — perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, paired with crispy, caramelized garlic-roasted broccoli.

The combination of flavors here is timeless: the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the natural sweetness of salmon come together in harmony. The roasted broccoli adds crunch and an earthy depth, rounding out the dish beautifully. It’s elegant enough for a dinner date yet easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a balance of simplicity and sophistication.
The lemon butter sauce isn’t complicated — just a few pantry staples — but it delivers restaurant-level flavor. The salmon comes out perfectly flaky, moist, and infused with citrusy freshness. Meanwhile, the roasted broccoli, tossed with garlic and olive oil, becomes addictively crisp and savory.

What makes it special is how quickly it comes together without cutting corners on taste. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting yet light, rich but not heavy. Plus, it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and fiber — a deliciously healthy indulgence.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because:

• It’s a one-skillet wonder with minimal cleanup.
• The lemon butter sauce is irresistibly velvety and bright.
• It’s ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy days.
• It’s both nutritious and indulgent, fitting any occasion.
• The garlic roasted broccoli complements the salmon like a dream — crisp, aromatic, and full of flavor.

If you love dishes that are light yet satisfying, this one’s bound to be a new favorite.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~480 kcal

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Lemon Butter Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for garnish

For the Garlic Roasted Broccoli

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast the Garlic Broccoli

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
4. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 15–18 minutes, stirring once halfway, until tender and slightly crisp on the edges.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan before serving, if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
4. Transfer salmon to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add butter and let it melt, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
6. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce coat and glaze the salmon beautifully.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

1. Arrange the roasted broccoli on a serving plate.
2. Place the salmon fillets on top or beside it.
3. Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over the salmon.
4. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

How to Serve

Serve Lemon Butter Salmon Skillet with Garlic Roasted Broccoli immediately while warm.
It pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed rice or garlic mashed potatoes
• Quinoa or couscous for a lighter option
• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

This dish makes an elegant dinner entrée but is easy enough for weeknights too.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice — bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
• Don’t overcook the salmon; remove it when it’s slightly translucent in the center — it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
• Pat the salmon dry before searing to get a perfect crispy crust.
• Toss broccoli evenly in oil so it roasts instead of steams.
• Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to lift all the caramelized bits for deeper flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Lemon Butter Salmon

Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a gentle heat.

Creamy Lemon Salmon

Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream or coconut milk to make a luscious, creamy sauce.

Herb Butter Twist

Mix fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil into the butter for extra aroma.

Honey Lemon Glaze

Add 1 tbsp honey to the lemon butter sauce for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.

Different Vegetables

Substitute broccoli with green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for variety.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon (without the broccoli) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving too long — it can dry out the salmon.

Special Equipment Needed

• Non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Tongs or fish spatula
• Lemon zester (optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking for best searing results.

Q2: Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Try trout, cod, or halibut — all work beautifully with this sauce.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm gently before serving.

Q4: How do I know the salmon is cooked perfectly?
It should flake easily with a fork but remain moist and slightly pink in the center.

Q5: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the optional Parmesan and serve it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Salmon Skillet with Garlic Roasted Broccoli is a dish that never fails to impress.
It’s bright, buttery, and elegant — yet so easy to prepare that it fits effortlessly into your weeknight routine. Every bite offers the perfect balance of zesty citrus, rich salmon, and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a meal that feels wholesome and indulgent all at once.

This recipe isn’t just food — it’s a comforting experience on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to something special, this dish brings warmth, balance, and pure flavor satisfaction every single time.