Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts
A simple Whole30-compliant salmon dish featuring crispy pan-seared fish paired with caramelized roasted garlic and tender Brussels sprouts. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 lb, trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
- 1 head, separated and peeled garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 lb trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender and browned at edges.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, place 1 head garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast alongside Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove roasted garlic cloves from skin and mash into a paste. Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with the garlic paste and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
- Step 6: Plate salmon alongside garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts?
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 Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts 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 Roasted Garlic and Brussels Sprouts whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.