This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Broccoli is an easy, flavorful sheet-pan dinner featuring juicy salmon fillets coated in buttery garlic, fresh lemon, herbs, and a lightly caramelized glaze. Tender roasted broccoli cooks alongside the salmon, soaking up the savory pan juices for a complete family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love It
- Juicy salmon with a golden, caramelized exterior
- Bright lemon and rich garlic butter flavor
- Broccoli cooks alongside the salmon for an easy one-pan meal
- Ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients Overview
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Broccoli
Place the broccoli florets on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
Roast the broccoli for 8 minutes before adding the salmon.
3. Season the Salmon
Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil.
Season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
The paprika helps create the beautifully golden exterior.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Add the Salmon
Remove the sheet pan from the oven.
Move the partially roasted broccoli toward the sides and arrange the salmon fillets in the center.
Spoon the lemon garlic butter generously over each piece.
Place a lemon slice over the salmon if desired.
6. Bake
Return the pan to the oven.
Bake for approximately 10–14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
The salmon should be tender and flake easily with a fork.
For food safety, cook until the thickest portion reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Caramelize the Top
For a deeper golden finish, switch the oven to broil.
Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
This helps caramelize the honey garlic butter and gives the salmon appetizing browned edges.
8. Serve
Remove the sheet pan from the oven.
Spoon the warm garlic butter pan juices over the salmon.
Finish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and additional lemon juice.
Serve immediately with the roasted broccoli.
Cooking Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Choose fillets of similar thickness so they finish cooking together.
- Do not overcook salmon; it can become dry quickly.
- Roast the broccoli briefly before adding the salmon because it requires slightly more cooking time.
- Fresh garlic and lemon give the sauce the best flavor.
- Broil only briefly because honey and butter can caramelize quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lemon garlic butter salmon with:
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Jasmine rice
- Parmesan roasted potatoes
- Quinoa
- Fresh garden salad
Storage
Store leftover salmon and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just warmed through. Avoid overheating so the salmon remains tender.
Leftover Ideas
- Flake leftover salmon over a fresh green salad.
- Serve it in rice bowls with broccoli and extra lemon.
- Toss the salmon with pasta and garlic butter.
- Use chilled salmon in wraps with lettuce and creamy dressing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it thoroughly dry before seasoning.
Can I replace broccoli with another vegetable?
Yes. Asparagus, zucchini, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers all work well.
Can I make this without honey?
Yes. Simply omit it for a more savory lemon garlic butter sauce.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Broccoli combines juicy salmon, fresh citrus, buttery garlic, herbs, and caramelized vegetables in one simple sheet-pan dinner. Fresh, satisfying, and easy to prepare, it is perfect for family meals, meal prep, or whenever you want a flavorful seafood dinner without complicated cooking.
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