Are you ready for a simple yet delicious meal? My Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon and Broccolini is the perfect choice! With bright flavors and healthy ingredients, you can make it all in one go. Imagine crispy salmon, tender broccolini, and zesty garlic, all roasted to perfection. Follow me for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make this dish your own. Let’s dive into this tasty, hassle-free recipe!
Ingredients
To make this delicious sheet pan lemon garlic salmon and broccolini, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s the list:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest and juice of 2 lemons
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and health of the dish. Salmon gives you protein and healthy fats. Broccolini adds a nice crunch and nutrients. Olive oil keeps everything moist. Garlic gives a rich taste that pairs well with lemon. The lemon adds brightness. Smoked paprika gives a gentle warmth. You can adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Lemon wedges make the dish extra zesty when served.
Using fresh ingredients will elevate your meal. So, make sure to pick the best ones you can find.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the salmon and broccolini evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your sheet pan.
– Preparing the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended. This marinade adds a bright flavor to the salmon.
– Arranging salmon and broccolini on the sheet pan: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the 4 salmon fillets on one side. Brush them well with your lemon garlic marinade. On the other side, add the trimmed broccolini. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the broccolini and toss to coat.
Cooking Steps
– Roasting time and temperature: Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the broccolini should be bright and tender.
– Checking for doneness: To ensure your salmon is ready, look for a light pink color. If it flakes easily, it is done. The broccolini should look vibrant and still have a slight crunch.
– Garnishing before serving: Once removed from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salmon and broccolini for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensuring salmon stays moist: To keep your salmon juicy, brush it with the marinade before baking. This adds flavor and moisture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Salmon is perfect at 145°F (63°C).
– Perfectly cooked broccolini: Broccolini should remain bright green and tender. Toss it in the marinade, then roast it alongside the salmon. The heat helps it cook without losing its crunch.
– Adjusting marinade flavors to taste: If you love spice, add more smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne. For tang, add extra lemon juice. Taste the marinade before you apply it. Make it your own!
Presentation Tips
– Serving directly from the sheet pan: For a casual meal, serve right from the pan. It makes cleanup easy and looks inviting. Just place the pan on the table and let everyone serve themselves.
– Plating for individual servings: For a more formal touch, plate the salmon and broccolini separately. Use a large spoon to arrange them nicely. This gives each plate a professional look.
– Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. Add lemon wedges on the side to brighten the dish. You can even use lemon slices for a colorful touch.
Variations
Substitute Ingredients
You can switch up the fish in this recipe. Try using trout or even halibut. Both options bring a lovely flavor.
For vegetables, don’t limit yourself to broccolini. Asparagus or green beans work well too. You can also use bell peppers for a pop of color.
Feeling adventurous? Change the marinade a bit. Add honey for sweetness or swap lemon for lime. You can even throw in some herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor.
Cooking Methods
If you prefer grilling, this dish shines on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the salmon and broccolini with the marinade. Place them on the grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. This gives the salmon a nice char and the broccolini a smoky flavor.
You can also try air frying. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the salmon and broccolini in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. This method also keeps the veggies crisp and bright.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool down. Place salmon and broccolini in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. The salmon stays fresh for up to three days. The broccolini keeps well too, but it’s best eaten within two days.
Reheating Recommendations
To reheat your salmon, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For broccolini, you can sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil. This keeps it crisp and flavorful. Enjoy your leftovers!
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I know when salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should turn from bright pink to a lighter shade. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The ideal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps maintain texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, you can also run it under cold water.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish goes well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. Roasted potatoes or a side of asparagus can complement the flavors nicely.
How can I make the recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the rice or quinoa. You can add more non-starchy veggies like zucchini or spinach. Use olive oil and lemon for flavor without adding carbs.
This blog post outlined a simple and tasty salmon dish. We covered ingredients like salmon, broccolini, and spices. Next, I shared easy steps to prepare and cook the meal. I provided tips for keeping everything moist and ways to present it nicely.
You can also tweak the recipe to fit your taste or try new cooking methods. Remember to store leftovers safely and reheat them to keep the flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this dish your own!
