Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

### **Instructions for Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes**
Start by preparing the **baby potatoes**. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, and toss them in a bowl with **olive oil**, **paprika**, **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a large baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer to ensure they get crispy as they roast.

#### **Step 3: Roast the Potatoes**
Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the preheated oven and roast for about **25-30 minutes**, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Make sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.

#### **Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce for the Salmon**
While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the **lemon butter sauce** for the salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together the **melted butter**, **olive oil**, **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, **minced garlic**, and **fresh thyme**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. This flavorful sauce will infuse the salmon with a burst of citrusy goodness.

#### **Step 5: Season and Add the Salmon**
Once the potatoes have been roasting for about 25-30 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side to create space for the **salmon fillets**. Drizzle the salmon fillets with the lemon butter sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Season the salmon with a bit of salt and pepper.

#### **Step 6: Roast the Salmon and Broccoli**
Now, prepare the **broccoli**. Toss the broccoli florets in **olive oil**, and season with **salt** and **pepper**. Arrange the broccoli on the baking sheet, making sure it’s spread out and not overcrowded.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional **12-15 minutes**, or until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F) and the broccoli is tender and slightly charred at the edges. The potatoes should also be golden and crispy by this point.

#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Plate the **salmon fillets** with the **crispy potatoes** and **roasted broccoli**. Garnish with a little extra **lemon zest** or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added burst of citrus flavor.

### **Why This Recipe Works**

– **Crispy Potatoes**: The potatoes are tossed in olive oil and seasoned with paprika and garlic powder, which gives them an irresistible crispy texture while still being soft on the inside.
– **Tender Salmon**: Roasting the salmon with the lemon butter sauce helps it stay moist and flavorful, while the garlic and thyme add an aromatic depth to the dish.
– **Roasted Broccoli**: Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with the zesty salmon and potatoes.
– **One-Pan Meal**: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making it an incredibly convenient and low-maintenance dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

### **Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli**

– **Use Fresh Salmon**: Fresh salmon fillets will give you the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
– **Adjust the Vegetables**: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, feel free to swap it out for other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose.
– **Add Extra Flavor**: For extra flavor, you can add some **fresh parsley**, **dill**, or a sprinkle of **Parmesan cheese** to the broccoli right before serving.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: For the best results, make sure the potatoes, salmon, and broccoli aren’t overcrowded on the pan. This allows them to cook evenly and get that crispy texture.

### **Conclusion**

This **Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli** is the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and delicious. With its easy prep, flavorful ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. The fresh lemon butter sauce gives the salmon a zesty burst of flavor, while the crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli bring perfect balance to the meal.

So, next time you’re in need of a quick yet satisfying dinner, remember this one-pan wonder. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!