Introduction
A warm, satisfying dinner sizzling in a single skillet—that’s the magic of this Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli recipe. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a quick, nutritious meal packed with bold garlic flavor and tender textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or healthy home lunches, this recipe gets dinner on the table in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
The Origins of One-Skillet Meals
One-skillet meals have long been a go-to solution for home cooks seeking efficiency without compromising taste. Inspired by rustic European and Mediterranean cooking traditions, these meals are all about layering flavors and simplifying the cooking process. In this dish, searing the salmon and sautéing the garlic and broccoli in the same pan helps all the elements soak up each other’s goodness.
Unique Ingredients That Shine
The star of this recipe is fresh salmon, which offers a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and pairs beautifully with garlic’s punchy aroma. Broccoli adds crunch and earthy flavor, while olive oil ensures the ingredients brown beautifully. A splash of lemon juice brightens up the final dish, bringing balance and freshness.
Cooking Techniques That Make a Difference
This meal comes together in one pan – first by searing salmon to get a golden crust, then quickly sautéing garlic and broccoli until crisp-tender. Adding the salmon back in to finish cooking ensures everything is hot and harmonized. The skillet technique maximizes flavor, efficiency, and ease.
Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli – One-Skillet Meal
Description
A nutritious one-skillet dish of seared salmon and crisp-tender broccoli infused with garlic and lemon. Easy, flavorful, and ideal for a busy night.
Ingredients for Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli:
Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
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Season and Prep Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Drying the salmon helps it sear better in the skillet. -
Chop Broccoli and Mince Garlic
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince garlic cloves.
Uniform broccoli pieces cook more evenly and quickly.
Cooking the Skillet Meal
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Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. -
Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add broccoli and cook for 5-6 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Stir occasionally.
Add a tablespoon of water and cover for 1-2 minutes if broccoli needs softening. -
Return Salmon to Pan
Return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the broccoli. Drizzle with lemon juice and cook another minute or two until everything is hot.
This final step blends flavors and warms the salmon through.
Serving the Dish
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Serve and Garnish
Plate the salmon with a generous serving of broccoli. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
A light sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.
Note
- Use pre-cut broccoli florets for even faster prep.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic for heat.
- Try a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce for a creamy touch.
- Don’t overcook the salmon—it should still be juicy in the center.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
