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Broccoli: Simple and Nutritious
Fresh broccoli florets roast beautifully and develop a slightly sweet, nutty flavor in the oven.
Avoid overcooking—broccoli should be tender with lightly crisped edges.
Lemon Butter Sauce Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional herbs (parsley, thyme, dill)
Fresh lemon makes a noticeable difference here.
Ingredients List
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Lemon juice and zest
For the Roasted Potatoes
- Baby potatoes (halved)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional paprika or garlic powder
For the Broccoli
- Broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting crispy potatoes and beautifully roasted vegetables.
Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes First
Potatoes take the longest, so start with them.
- Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Spread them cut-side down on the baking sheet
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway
They should be golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Once the potatoes are partially cooked:
- Add broccoli florets to the same pan (or a second pan)
- Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly
- Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes
The broccoli should be tender with lightly charred edges.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Salmon
While the vegetables roast:
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels
- Season with salt and pepper
- Heat a small pan or saucepan over low heat
- Melt butter gently
- Add garlic and cook briefly
- Stir in lemon juice and zest
This simple sauce brings everything together.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon
You can cook the salmon in the oven or on the stovetop.
Oven Method (Easy & Hands-Off):
- Place salmon on a lined baking sheet
- Spoon lemon butter over each fillet
- Bake for 12–15 minutes
Stovetop Method (Extra Flavor):
- Sear salmon skin-side down in a pan
- Finish with lemon butter sauce
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
How to Know When Salmon Is Perfectly Cooked
Perfect salmon should be:
- Moist, not dry
- Opaque but slightly translucent in the center
- Flaky but still tender
Overcooked salmon becomes chalky—err on the side of slightly underdone, as it continues cooking after removal.
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