Lemon Butter Salmon with Herb Potatoes and Broccoli

Name: Lemon Butter Salmon with Herb Potatoes and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 medium potatoes (cubed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano); 200g broccoli florets

Highlighted under: Lean Cooking | Chicken & Fish

I can't get enough of this Lemon Butter Salmon with Herb Potatoes and Broccoli! It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a regular dish in our home. The combination of tender salmon fillets glazed with zesty lemon butter paired with herby, perfectly roasted potatoes and crisp broccoli creates a delightful meal. In just 30 minutes, we can serve an impressive plate that looks like it came straight from a restaurant. This dish is not only delicious but also a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights!

Created by

The Chefpeterscooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-16T14:34:19.640Z

When I first experimented with this dish, I wanted to combine flavors that complemented each other perfectly. The rich salmon paired with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs created a mouthwatering aroma in the kitchen. I learned that cooking the salmon on high heat for a short time gives it a beautiful sear while keeping it moist and tender.

One specific tip I discovered is to sprinkle the herb potatoes with a generous amount of herbs and some lemon zest to enhance their flavor. This extra step transformed the potatoes into a delightful side that perfectly balances the main dish!

You'll Love This Recipe Because

The bright citrus flavors uplift the succulent salmon
Herb-infused potatoes add a hearty, satisfying touch
Quick to prepare, making it great for weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Salmon

Salmon can be tricky to cook perfectly, but with a few simple techniques, you can achieve that ideal flaky texture. Start by ensuring your salmon fillets are at room temperature for even cooking. When cooking in the skillet, look for that golden, crispy skin, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. If you find the skin sticking, it may need more time; patience is key for achieving that perfect sear without tearing.

The lemon butter sauce not only adds bright flavor but also helps keep the salmon moist. Remember to add the lemon juice just before flipping the salmon, as this prevents the acid from cooking the fish too quickly and causing it to become dry. Drizzling any leftover butter from the skillet over the plated salmon enhances flavor and adds a glossy finish that elevates presentation.

Roasting the Herb Potatoes

Roasting potatoes is a great way to intensify their natural flavors. When cubing the potatoes, try to keep them uniform in size, ideally around 1-inch cubes, for even cooking. Tossing them in olive oil and herbs not only provides flavor but also helps achieve those crispy edges that make roasted potatoes so satisfying. If you notice they aren't browning, give them a little more time in the oven and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Feel free to experiment with the dried herbs used in the potatoes; fresh herbs can work wonderfully as well, adding a fresher flavor profile. Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent, so you may want to use three times as much as dried. To store and reheat leftover potatoes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness or briefly in a microwave if you’re short on time.

Steaming Broccoli for Maximum Flavor

Steaming is an excellent cooking method to preserve the vibrant color and nutrients in broccoli. Aim for a tender-crisp texture, where your broccoli retains a slight bite. If using a microwave, simply place the florets in a bowl with a splash of water, covering it to steam thoroughly, which should take about 2-3 minutes on high. This ensures the broccoli cooks evenly without losing its bright green hue or valuable nutrients.

For a flavor lift, consider tossing the steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a pinch of salt before serving. This simple addition can enhance the overall dish, adding brightness to balance the rich salmon and herb potatoes. If you’re looking for more variation, try stirring in a dash of red pepper flakes for mild heat or adding slivered almonds for added texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons butter
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 medium potatoes (cubed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
200g broccoli florets

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Lemon Butter Salmon:

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cook the Salmon

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Once fragrant, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip, add lemon juice, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Steam the Broccoli

While the salmon is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until vibrant and tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. You can do this in a pot with a steaming rack or in the microwave.

Plate Your Dish

Once everything is cooked, plate the salmon alongside the herb potatoes and steamed broccoli. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter from the skillet over the salmon for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try marinating the salmon in the lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to save time, this recipe can be partially prepared in advance. The potatoes can be cubed and tossed with olive oil and herbs a few hours before roasting; just store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Similarly, you can zest and juice the lemon beforehand, making the cooking process smoother on busy evenings.

For the salmon, you can marinate it in the lemon butter sauce for up to an hour before cooking. This not only infuses the fish with flavor but can also help to tenderize it. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and bring it back to room temperature before cooking for best results.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable if you're feeding a larger crowd. Simply increase the quantities while maintaining the same cooking technique. If using a larger oven-safe skillet, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.

When roasting potatoes, use multiple baking sheets if needed. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure they roast properly. Adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness; larger quantities might require a few extra minutes for perfect crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a quinoa side for a heartier meal. A light vinaigrette over fresh greens complements the rich salmon and adds a refreshing contrast. For an added crunch, consider topping the salad with sesame seeds or sunflower seeds.

If you're looking to switch things up for presentation, serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of wild rice or farro for a wholesome grain option. This not only adds a delightful texture but also makes for a colorful, appetizing plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add asparagus, green beans, or carrots for variety!

→ Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can pre-chop the vegetables and marinate the salmon a few hours ahead for convenience.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store cooked salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.