Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets served alongside crisp-tender charred broccoli, finished with a bright and silky lemon butter sauce. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends 6 oz each salmon fillets, broccoli florets, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through, then remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 cups broccoli florets. Sauté over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is charred in spots and tender-crisp. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly, coating the broccoli. Serve salmon alongside broccoli, spooning lemon butter sauce over both.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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