My Go-To for Busy Nights: Easy One-Pan Lemon Pepper Salmon & Roasted Broccoli!

You know those evenings when you crave something delicious and healthy, but the thought of a mountain of dishes makes you want to order takeout? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s exactly how this Easy One-Pan Lemon Pepper Salmon and Roasted Broccoli became a regular in my dinner rotation. It started as a simple attempt to use up some salmon and broccoli with my favorite lemon pepper seasoning, and honestly, the first time I pulled that sizzling pan from the oven, I knew I’d struck gold. The salmon was perfectly flaky, the broccoli tender-crisp with those lovely charred bits, and the whole kitchen smelled incredible.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s on your table in about 30 minutes, bursting with bright, zesty flavors, and actually makes you feel good from the inside out, then you have to try this. And the best part? One single pan means cleanup is an absolute dream. Seriously, it’s a weeknight win!

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Favorite Too

I could go on and on, but here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Seriously Simple: We’re talking minimal prep, everything tossed together on one pan, and the oven does all the heavy lifting. Perfect for when you’re short on time or energy.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty lemon pepper, rich butter, a touch of garlic, and good olive oil creates a sauce that’s just chef’s kiss. It makes the salmon incredibly moist and the broccoli irresistible.
• Healthy & Adaptable: It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and fits beautifully into a diabetic-friendly lifestyle without skimping on taste. Plus, you can easily tweak the seasonings to your liking!

What You’ll Need: Ingredient Breakdown

The ingredient list is short and sweet, focusing on fresh, quality components for the best flavor.

• Salmon Filets: About 2.25 lbs, cut into 6 portions (around 6 oz and 1 ½ inches thick each). Go for good quality salmon if you can; it makes a difference!
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: You’ll need 1.5 lbs. Fresh is definitely best here for that perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Unsalted Butter: 7 ½ tablespoons, melted. This adds richness and helps everything brown beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon of good quality olive oil for flavor and to help with roasting.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons. Freshly squeezed will always give you the brightest taste!
• Garlic: 3 large cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 3 tablespoons. This is the star! If you’re watching sugar intake, check your brand or make your own.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon. This is optional, but I love the subtle warmth it adds.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Ready to make some magic? Here’s how:

1. Get Your Oven Ready: First things first, adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat it to a nice 420°F (215°C). If you’re all about easy cleanup (like me!), line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Salmon Prep: Gently pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel – this helps the sauce stick and the fish to get a nicer exterior. Place the salmon portions, skin-side down if they have skin, right in the center of your baking sheet. Leave some room around them for the broccoli.
3. Broccoli Time: Pop your fresh broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl.
4. Whip Up the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and those optional red pepper flakes. Keep whisking until it’s all nicely combined and looking delicious.
5. Dress the Stars: Now, carefully drizzle or spoon about half of that gorgeous lemon-butter sauce all over your salmon filets. Make sure each piece gets some love! Pour the rest of the sauce over the broccoli in the bowl and give it a good toss until every floret is glistening.
6. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Scatter the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer on the baking sheet, nestled around the salmon. Try not to overcrowd them, as a single layer helps them roast instead of steam!
7. Roast Away! Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for the salmon to be cooked through and flake easily with a fork, and the broccoli to be tender-crisp with some lovely browned, slightly crispy edges. If you have a food thermometer, the salmon should reach an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C), depending on how you like it.

My Expert Tips for Success

A few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to make this recipe even better:

• Salmon Savvy: The recipe timing is for salmon that’s about 1 ½ inches thick. If your filets are thinner, they’ll cook quicker! Check them a bit earlier – a good rule of thumb is about 4-5 minutes of roasting time per ½ inch of thickness.
• Broccoli Basics: That broccoli really does love the full 18-22 minutes to get perfectly tender-crisp. If your salmon is on the thinner side and will cook super fast, you might want to give the broccoli a 5-7 minute head start in the oven before you add the fish to the pan.
• Doneness is Key: The best way to tell if salmon is perfectly cooked is with an instant-read thermometer. No thermometer? No problem! It should look opaque all the way through and flake easily when you press it gently with a fork at its thickest point.
• Make It Yours: Don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings. Love more garlic? Add it! Want it spicier? Up the red pepper flakes!
• Storage Smarts: Leftovers are amazing! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a lower temperature, or in the microwave, to keep the salmon from drying out.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This dish is fantastic all on its own for a light and satisfying meal, but if you want to round it out:

• Sides: A fluffy bed of quinoa, some simple cauliflower rice (great for keeping it low-carb!), a scoop of couscous, or even just some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce from the pan would be divine.
• Drinks: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and salmon beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with an extra squeeze of lemon and a sprig of mint is super refreshing.
• Occasions: While it’s my weeknight hero, it’s also elegant enough for a casual dinner with friends. Everyone always loves it!