Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli – A Bright, Comforting Weeknight Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli brings together everything I love in a single skillet: crisp-edged potatoes, tender roasted broccoli, and salmon that stays beautifully moist under a glossy lemon-butter sauce. It is a simple meal, but it feels complete and satisfying, perfect for evenings when you want something wholesome yet elegant. I’ve made this dish on many busy nights, and what continually impresses me is how quickly the flavours develop with only a handful of everyday ingredients. The lemon brightens the dish without overwhelming it, while butter softens the acidity and creates a velvety coating over the salmon. Even the vegetables soak up those delicious juices. If you prefer minimal clean-up, this is the sort of recipe that rewards you with very little effort. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home cook, this dish offers consistently reliable results.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets

Firm, rich, and naturally flavourful, salmon holds up beautifully to roasting. Its delicate fat content means it stays tender even at high heat, and it pairs perfectly with bright citrus notes.

Potatoes

I like using small waxy potatoes because they crisp well while maintaining a creamy interior. Their golden edges add a satisfying texture contrast to the soft salmon.

Broccoli florets

Broccoli roasts wonderfully, taking on a subtle sweetness while still retaining enough bite. It acts as a balancing green component to the buttery sauce.

Butter

Butter enriches the entire dish, helping the salmon remain moist while also infusing the vegetables with a velvety finish. When mixed with lemon, it forms a simple yet luxurious pan sauce.

Lemon juice and zest

Lemon brightens the flavour and cuts through the richness of the butter. The zest intensifies the citrus profile without adding more liquid.

Garlic

A small amount of garlic adds warmth and aroma. When roasted, it mellows and blends seamlessly with butter and lemon.

Olive oil

A light drizzle of oil helps the potatoes and broccoli crisp properly in the oven. It also keeps the seasonings evenly distributed.

Salt and black pepper

These basic seasonings bring everything together, enhancing the natural flavour of every component.

Fresh herbs

Parsley or dill adds freshness at the end. I’ve also tried chives when I had them on hand, and they worked wonderfully.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature so the potatoes can crisp adequately. Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer to ensure proper browning. Roast until their edges become golden and crisp. While they cook, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into evenly sized florets. Add it to the tray once the potatoes begin to soften; this staggered approach keeps everything perfectly cooked. For the lemon-butter mixture, melt butter and stir in lemon juice, zest, and finely minced garlic. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, nestling them between the vegetables. Brush generously with the lemon-butter sauce, reserving a small amount for finishing. Return the tray to the oven and roast until the salmon flakes gently with a fork. Before serving, spoon the remaining lemon-butter mix over the salmon and sprinkle with fresh herbs. I once tried preparing the sauce with a splash of white wine, and it added lovely depth.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Active preparation time: about 15 minutes
Roasting time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: approximately 40–45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, warm the salmon and vegetables in a low oven until just heated through to avoid drying out the fish. You may add a small pat of butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon to revive the flavours. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can toughen the salmon.

Variations and Customizations

Herb-Infused Lemon Butter

Use thyme or tarragon instead of parsley for a deeper herbal aroma.

Creamy Lemon Sauce

Stir a splash of cream into the melted butter for a richer, silkier finish.

Spicy Citrus Salmon

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-butter mixture for subtle heat.

Roasted Asparagus Substitute

Swap the broccoli for asparagus to create a lighter spring variation.

Garlic-Parmesan Potatoes

Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan before roasting for a savoury crust.

Honey-Lemon Glaze

Mix a teaspoon of honey into the lemon-butter mixture for gentle sweetness.

Paprika-Rubbed Salmon

Dust the salmon with smoked paprika before roasting for extra depth.

Dairy-Free Option

Replace butter with olive oil. I once tried this using extra-virgin olive oil, and the result was pleasantly bright and lighter.

One-Pan Foil Packet Version

Wrap the salmon and vegetables together in foil for easier clean-up and gentler steaming.

Lemon-Capers Twist

Add a teaspoon of capers for a briny counterpoint to the buttery sauce.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

It should flake gently when pressed with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure even roasting.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional; the skins help with crispness and flavour.

Can I substitute another fish for salmon?

Trout or cod work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What type of lemon works best?

Fresh lemons are essential for both juice and zest.

Can I make the lemon-butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it earlier and gently rewarm before brushing onto the salmon.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?

Not for this recipe; thin slicing and high heat achieve crisp results.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Yes, carrots, zucchini, or green beans roast nicely alongside the salmon.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

You can, though the potatoes and broccoli would need to be cooked separately.

What herbs pair best with this dish?

Parsley, dill, chives, and thyme all complement the lemon-butter profile.

Conclusion

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli is a dependable, flavour-forward meal ideal for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. With its balance of brightness, richness, and texture, it highlights how simple ingredients can deliver a satisfying dinner with very little effort. Whether you follow the classic version or experiment with one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.

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