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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince garlic cloves.
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.
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.
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.
Plate the salmon with a generous serving of broccoli. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
This garlicky salmon and broccoli dish makes a flavorful impression with minimal effort. It’s a great choice when you want something healthy, hearty, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pair with brown rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the meal beautifully.
Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Have your own twist on this one-skillet wonder? Share your tips, variations, or photos in the comments. We love seeing your kitchen creativity!