Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Salmon fillets pan-seared to a crispy golden crust served alongside smoky charred broccoli and a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, broccoli florets, olive oil 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 (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 cups broccoli florets. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is charred and tender. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and soft but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, then pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce over salmon and broccoli before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon-Garlic 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-Garlic 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-Garlic 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-Garlic 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Broccoli and Lemon-Garlic Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
