One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of perfectly seared salmon and tender, vibrant broccoli. In just 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s not only quick but also bursting with garlic-infused goodness. The salmon melts in your mouth while the broccoli adds a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or even lazy weekends when you crave something wholesome but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. This dish captures a restaurant-quality experience right at your dinner table.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I prepared this recipe. It was one of those evenings when I felt creatively drained and just couldn’t decide on what to cook. Then I stumbled across my One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli recipe, and everything changed! The kitchen quickly filled with the aroma of garlic sautéing, and I was taken by the vibrant colors of the dish. It’s hard not to be excited about a recipe like this — it’s easy, budget-friendly, and a true crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for those busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The garlic, orange zest, and salmon combine for an addictively delicious meal.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasions with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free with low sodium options available.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This helps to sauté the garlic and gives the dish a lovely foundation of flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil if preferred.
- 1¼ pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this recipe; thawed frozen salmon works too, but might take slightly longer to cook.
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided: Garlic lends its wonderful aroma and adds depth of flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste; powdered garlic isn’t a great substitute.
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. You could use sea salt or kosher salt.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a lovely kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- 5 cups broccoli florets: Rich in vitamins and adds a nice crunch. You can also substitute with cauliflower or green beans if you prefer.
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped (2 cups): These provide sweetness and contrast beautifully with the other flavors, but feel free to substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers.
- 1 tablespoon water: This helps steam the veggies quickly and keeps them tender-crisp.
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest: Adds brightness and a fragrant note that beautifully complements the salmon.
- 1½ tablespoons orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the citrus flavor in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari: This is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, adding umami. If you’re not concerned about gluten, regular soy sauce works too.
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions: They add a fresh, oniony finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
Heat Oil: In a large nonstick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until it shimmers.
Cook Salmon: Add 1¼ pounds of skinless center-cut salmon fillet pieces and half of the 8 cloves of sliced garlic to the skillet in an even layer. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Cook this uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the salmon is opaque on all sides and just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the salmon to a plate.
Sauté Vegetables: Without wiping the skillet clean, add 5 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of chopped red bell peppers. Pour in 1 tablespoon of water and add the remaining sliced garlic (4 cloves) along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Once the broccoli and peppers are ready, stir in 1½ tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium tamari. Gently fold in the previously cooked salmon pieces, allowing them to warm through and soak in those irresistible flavors.
Serve Up: Divide the dish among 4 shallow bowls, taking care to spoon any remaining liquid from the pan over the salmon and veggies for enhanced flavor. Finally, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest and 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; just remember to label it with the date. For reheating, place it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of water can help restore some moisture. Just keep in mind that the texture of the salmon might change slightly after freezing.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the salmon; it should flake easily but still be moist.
- Ensure the garlic is sliced thinly so it can caramelize and infuse the oil without burning.
- For added flavor, try marinating the salmon pieces in a bit of the tamari and orange juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- If you love a bit more heat, sprinkle some extra crushed red pepper on top before serving.
- Considering meal prep? You can chop the veggies in advance to make cooking even quicker.
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli combines vibrant ingredients and uncomplicated steps in a way that’s satisfying and energizing. It’s your go-to recipe for when you want something quick yet flavorful, and it brings the joy of cooking right back to the forefront. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. Cooking should be playful and enjoyable, and this dish embodies just that.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You may need to cook it slightly longer to ensure it’s cooked through.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If you’re not a fan of broccoli, feel free to use cauliflower florets, green beans, or even asparagus. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?
Your salmon pieces are done when they are opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. The thicker parts may take a minute or two longer, so check it carefully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the salmon and veggies ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Store them separately to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.
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📖 Recipe Card
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a delightfully tasty option for a quick and healthy dinner. With succulent salmon, fresh broccoli, and aromatic garlic, it brings irresistible flavor to your table while being easy to prepare. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1¼ pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped (2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1½ tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon pieces and half of the sliced garlic in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon each of salt and crushed red pepper.
- Cook, uncovered, turning occasionally, until salmon is opaque on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate using a fish spatula or tongs, without wiping the skillet clean.
- Add the broccoli, chopped bell peppers, 1 tablespoon water, the remaining sliced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the skillet.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1½ tablespoons of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of tamari.
- Gently fold in the cooked salmon.
- Divide the mixture among 4 shallow bowls, spoon any remaining liquid from the pan over each bowl.
- Top with 1 teaspoon of orange zest and 1 tablespoon of scallions.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper to taste.
Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
Make sure to keep an eye on the salmon while cooking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 402
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 578mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
