This is the meal you need after an indulgent weekend, vacation or because you want to get back to basics. You don’t need a ton of ingredients. This Simple Salmon and Broccoli with Roasted Lemon Recipe will bring you back to life and nourish your body when you need it most.
The best part? Minimal ingredients, easy cleanup – mean this healthy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. All you need is broccoli florets, salmon fillets, salt, pepper, lemon, and a large skillet!
Simple Salmon and Broccoli with Roasted Lemon Recipe-A Method
When you cook food right and you develop the natural flavors, you don’t need a ton of seasonings. Lemon Juice , salt and pepper are all you need for this delicious recipe the whole family will love. The method for this salmon recipe is to pan sear it so we develop the flavors and get a beautiful crust on the salmon filets. This requires medium heat, preheating your skillet, and roasting those lemons cut side down.
This is an easy salmon where the cooking process is more important than the seasonings themselves. We are developing flavor without needing a ton of ingredients.
You will allow the pan to preheat with a drizzle of olive oil until you see it to sort of ripple. Use a light olive oil or even an avocado oil for this recipe.
You will want to hear a nice sizzle when the salmon hits the pan. One tip I have for the perfect crust? DRY SALMON. Yes make sure you dry the salmon with a paper towel before you put it on the pan. This will ensure that beautiful crust.
The broccoli florets get cooked right along with the salmon and then that lemon gets squeezed over the top while it is all still hot! You will be surprised that there is so much flavor!
How do I know when Salmon is done?
I know cooking fish can be intimidating. Salmon is done when it reaches between 140 and 145 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer if you aren’t used to cooking fish. Another way to tell is whether it flakes easily and with salmon specifically, if you see a white kind of stuff gather between the flaky layers- you are overcooking it.
Salmon is also just fine if it’s a bit under cooked unlike other fish like say a white fish which should look opaque throughout.
I personally like mine cooked through completely , but not overcooked. This foolproof recipe really focuses on cooking the salmon to develop it’s naturally sweet and delicious flavor. Salmon is also a great fish to start with when you are new to cooking fish. It’s hard to overcook it since it’s so fatty. Those omega 3 fatty acids are good for you too!
Can I add additional seasonings?
Of course you can! This recipe is what I call a base recipe! You get down the method, cooking time and then you can build on this easy recipe! One of my favorite riffs on this is Asian salmon. A little low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. WOW flavor and a little goes a long way!
Garnish this one with spring onions nad serve with brown rice or jasmine rice!
If you want to spice it up- add a little chili garlic sauce. Just brush it on top of the salmon as it finishes cooking. This is also a great use for that yummy chili crunch stuff everyone raves about.
Another delicious addition is honey mustard. Just mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard together than brush on your salmon as it finishes cooking. Serve that with my Parmesan Broccoli Recipe.
Weeknight Dinners Made Simple
One of the biggest complaints I hear about following a healthy diet is that time is not on our side. I get it! I remember trying to getting a healthy weeknight dinner on the table when I was working inside an office all day and it felt like a herculean effort.
Stay prepared with frozen salmon filets, frozen broccoli florets, and quinoa or rice. This is that back pocket meal. A healthy and heart-healthy diet can be easier when you are prepared for those times when you don’t have a lot of time, but need to get dinner on the table.
So , hit the grocery store and stock that pantry and make sure you keep the ingredients for easy dinners on hand. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself!
Leave a Star Rating- Simple Salmon and Broccoli with Roasted Lemon Recipe
I would love it if you left a star rating and review. I promise this is a delicious dinner with fancy restaurant or spa vibes that you’ll reach for again and again! Simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and hardly any mess. Sounds like a winner for your regular rotation!
It’s truly my pleasure to bring you recipes you’ll reach for again and again. The simple nature of this one makes it a base you can work from anytime! If you loved it, please share it on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest) and tag me at Fresh Fit Kitchen! I’d love to hear from you!
This post was updated on 2/12/2024.
Simple Salmon and Broccoli with Roasted Lemon Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Skinless Salmon Filet
- 1 lemon
- 3 cups Broccoli Florets, fresh
- 1 cup Red Quinoa cooked according to package instructions
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa well and cook according to package instructions.1 cup Red Quinoa
- Heat a very light coating of olive oil in a cast iron pan. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.12 oz. Skinless Salmon Filet
- When the pan is super hot, put the salmon in. Cut a lemon in half and cook it cut side down along side the salmon.
- Watch the salmon closely. It is done once you cannot see any raw looking part from the side. Don't cook it past that point. If the salmon starts to produce a white liquid you're over cooking it.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it onto a plate with the lemon. Add a bit more olive oil and the fresh broccoli florets. Salt and pepper the broccoli and stir fry for just a few minutes.1 lemon, 3 cups Broccoli Florets, fresh
- Plate a bed of the quinoa. Then, the salmon and broccoli. Squeeze the charred lemon half over everything and serve.