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Garlic Butter Salmon & Broccoli - A Simple, Comforting Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-size florets (about 5 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Optional sides: cooked rice, quinoa, or crusty bread

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prep the broccoli: Toss the florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a big pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the sheet pan so they have space to roast, not steam.
  3. Start the broccoli first: Roast for 8–10 minutes to give it a head start. This ensures the broccoli gets nicely browned by the time the salmon is done.
  4. Season the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Rub with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan over low heat (or microwave in short bursts), melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned. Stir in lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and half the chopped herbs. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Add salmon to the pan: Pull the sheet pan from the oven. Push broccoli to the sides and place salmon fillets in the center, skin-side down if using skin-on.
  7. Brush and roast: Spoon about half the garlic butter over the salmon. Drizzle a little onto the broccoli. Return the pan to the oven and roast for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Optional quick broil: For extra color on top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
  9. Finish and serve: Spoon the remaining garlic butter over the salmon. Squeeze more lemon juice to taste, sprinkle with the rest of the herbs, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to catch the sauce.