Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe

It’s no secret that weeknight dinners can often become a source of stress, a daily puzzle of balancing time, health, and taste. For years, our family’s weeknight meals were a predictable rotation, often lacking the excitement and nutritional punch we craved. Then, one evening, amidst the usual dinner dilemma, I stumbled upon a recipe that promised simplicity and flavor – Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli. Skeptical yet hopeful, I decided to give it a try. The result? A revelation. The kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of melting butter and roasting salmon, a symphony of scents that instantly calmed the evening chaos. Within thirty minutes, a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal graced our table. The salmon, flaky and moist, practically melted in our mouths, infused with a rich, buttery goodness that was simply irresistible. The baby broccoli, tender-crisp and subtly sweet, provided the perfect counterpoint, absorbing the flavorful butter sauce and adding a delightful textural contrast. Even my notoriously picky eater, my youngest, declared it “the best fish ever!” Since then, Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli has become a cherished staple in our home. It’s our go-to for busy weeknights, a dish we turn to when we crave something both healthy and incredibly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create culinary magic. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a stress-free path to a healthy and happy dinner table, a dish that consistently delights and nourishes, leaving everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, elegant, and undeniably delicious, look no further. This Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients for Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli

Creating this culinary delight requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final symphony of flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural taste of the salmon and broccoli to shine through, enhanced by the richness of butter and the brightness of lemon. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand its contribution to this exquisite dish.

• Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off, your preference. The star of our dish, salmon, is not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with health benefits. Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best taste and texture. You have the choice between skin-on or skin-off fillets. Skin-on salmon will result in crispier skin during baking, which many find adds a delightful textural element. Skin-off fillets are equally delicious and perhaps a bit easier to manage for those less experienced with cooking fish. Consider the type of salmon as well. Sockeye salmon, with its vibrant red color and robust flavor, is a fantastic choice, as is Coho salmon, known for its milder taste and delicate texture. Atlantic salmon, often readily available, is another excellent option, offering a rich, buttery flavor profile. The key is to choose fillets that are firm, moist, and have a fresh, clean scent. Avoid salmon that smells overly fishy or appears dry or discolored.
• Baby Broccoli (Broccolini): 1 pound, trimmed. Baby broccoli, often known as broccolini, is a hybrid vegetable that combines broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It boasts tender stalks and small florets, making it cook more quickly and evenly than regular broccoli. Its slightly sweeter and milder flavor profile also makes it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who might not be the biggest fans of traditional broccoli. When selecting baby broccoli, look for stalks that are firm and bright green with tightly closed florets. Avoid broccolini that is yellowing or has wilting stalks. If you can’t find baby broccoli, regular broccoli florets, cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces, can be used as a substitute, although you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender-crisp.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. Butter is the heart and soul of this recipe, lending its rich, creamy, and undeniably decadent flavor to both the salmon and the broccoli. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and prevents it from becoming overly salty. Melting the butter ensures it coats the salmon and broccoli evenly, creating a luscious glaze that enhances their natural flavors and helps them to bake to perfection. If you are looking for a slightly healthier alternative, you could use olive oil, but the buttery richness will be noticeably diminished. For a vegan option, consider using a high-quality vegan butter alternative, ensuring it melts and behaves similarly to dairy butter for optimal results.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic depth of flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the butter and the delicate taste of the salmon. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the most vibrant flavor. Mincing the garlic finely releases its oils and allows its flavor to infuse the butter sauce effectively. If you are not a fan of strong garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount to one clove or even use garlic powder as a milder substitute, although fresh garlic is definitely preferred for the best results. Roasted garlic could also be used for a sweeter, mellower garlic note.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons. Lemon juice is the secret ingredient that brightens and balances the richness of the butter and the savoriness of the salmon. Its acidity cuts through the fat, preventing the dish from feeling heavy and adding a refreshing zing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant, zesty freshness of freshly squeezed. The lemon juice also helps to tenderize the salmon and adds a touch of brightness to the baby broccoli. Don’t skip the lemon juice – it’s essential for creating a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
• Dried Dill: 1 teaspoon. Dried dill adds a subtle herbaceous and slightly grassy note that pairs wonderfully with salmon and complements the lemon and garlic. Dill is a classic herb pairing for fish, and its delicate flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish without overpowering it. If you prefer fresh dill, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill instead of dried. Other herbs that would also work well in this recipe include parsley, chives, or even a touch of thyme, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your preference.
• Salt: To taste. Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish. It’s crucial to season the salmon and broccoli adequately to bring out their best taste. Start with a moderate amount of salt and then adjust to your preference after tasting. Kosher salt or sea salt are excellent choices for seasoning as they provide a clean, pure salt flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a touch of spice that complements the other seasonings and enhances the overall flavor complexity. Freshly ground pepper is always preferred over pre-ground pepper as it has a much more pronounced and aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference, adding more if you enjoy a bolder flavor or less if you prefer a milder taste.

Instructions for Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli

This Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Each step is straightforward and designed to ensure perfectly cooked salmon and tender-crisp broccoli, all bathed in a flavorful buttery sauce. Follow these simple instructions to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating the oven is a crucial first step in ensuring even cooking. A hot oven allows the salmon and broccoli to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked salmon that is flaky and moist and broccoli that is tender-crisp. Make sure your oven reaches the correct temperature before placing the dish inside to avoid undercooked or unevenly cooked food. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is accurately preheated.
2. Prepare the baking sheet. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lining your baking sheet is not just about easy cleanup; it also prevents the salmon and broccoli from sticking to the pan. Parchment paper is an excellent choice as it is non-stick and oven-safe. Foil works equally well, and you can even lightly grease the foil with cooking spray to further prevent sticking. This step ensures that your salmon and broccoli will lift easily from the pan once cooked, maintaining their beautiful appearance and preventing any frustrating sticking.
3. Prepare the butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined. This butter sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. Whisking the ingredients together ensures that they are thoroughly combined, creating a homogenous and flavorful sauce that will coat the salmon and broccoli evenly. The melted butter provides richness, the garlic adds savory depth, the lemon juice provides brightness and acidity, and the dill adds a subtle herbaceous note. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. This is your opportunity to customize the flavor profile to your personal preference.
4. Arrange the baby broccoli on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the baby broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet. Arranging the baby broccoli in a single layer is essential for even roasting. Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the broccoli to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy instead of tender-crisp broccoli. Ensure that there is space between the broccoli stalks to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. If you have a large amount of broccoli, you may need to use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer.
5. Place the salmon fillets among the broccoli. Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, nestled among the baby broccoli. Placing the salmon fillets among the broccoli allows them to cook together and share the flavorful butter sauce. Ensure that the salmon fillets are not overcrowded and have some space around them for even cooking. If using skin-on salmon, you can place the salmon skin-side down or skin-side up, depending on your preference for crispy skin. Skin-side down will result in softer skin, while skin-side up will crisp up the skin.
6. Pour the butter sauce evenly over the salmon and broccoli. Drizzle the prepared butter sauce generously over the salmon fillets and baby broccoli, ensuring that everything is well coated. This is where the magic happens. Pouring the butter sauce evenly over the salmon and broccoli ensures that every piece is infused with the delicious flavors of butter, garlic, lemon, and dill. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure that the sauce is distributed evenly, reaching all the nooks and crannies of the broccoli florets and coating the salmon fillets completely. Don’t be shy with the sauce – it’s what makes this dish so incredibly flavorful and moist.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the desired level of doneness. The key is to cook the salmon until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a fork to gently flake the salmon to check for doneness. The broccoli should be tender-crisp, meaning it is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Avoid overcooking the broccoli, as it can become mushy. Start checking for doneness at 12 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
8. Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra browning. If you desire a slightly browned top on your salmon and broccoli, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to prevent burning. Broiling adds a nice caramelized touch and enhances the visual appeal of the dish, but it is entirely optional.
9. Serve immediately. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and serve the Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the salmon is at its flakiest and the broccoli is at its most tender-crisp. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh dill sprigs, if desired, for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts

This Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving to yourself and your family. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Servings: 4 This recipe is designed to serve four people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering. The portion sizes are generous and satisfying, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling full and nourished.
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of salmon fillets and specific ingredients used). The calorie count per serving is moderate, making this dish a healthy and balanced meal option. The calories primarily come from the healthy fats in the salmon and butter, as well as the protein in the salmon. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling overly full or sluggish.

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (Estimates):

• Protein: 35-40 grams Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs.
• Fat: 30-40 grams (primarily healthy fats) While the fat content might seem high, it’s important to note that much of it comes from the healthy omega-3 fatty acids in salmon. Omega-3s are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. The butter also contributes to the fat content, but in moderation, it adds flavor and richness to the dish.
• Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams Saturated fat is present in butter and salmon. While it’s important to consume saturated fat in moderation, it’s part of a balanced diet.
• Cholesterol: 150-200 mg Salmon naturally contains cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is not as detrimental to health as once believed, and for most people, it has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels.
• Sodium: 300-400 mg (depending on salt added) The sodium content can be controlled by adjusting the amount of salt added to the recipe. Using low-sodium butter and being mindful of salt seasoning can help reduce sodium intake.
• Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams (primarily from broccoli) Baby broccoli is low in carbohydrates, making this a relatively low-carb meal option. The carbohydrates mainly come from the fiber and natural sugars in the broccoli.
• Fiber: 3-4 grams Baby broccoli is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting feelings of fullness.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Potassium, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Broccoli provides Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Folate. This dish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Salmon is particularly rich in Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune function, and Vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation. It’s also a good source of selenium, an antioxidant, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Baby broccoli contributes Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and immune booster, Vitamin K, important for blood clotting, and folate, essential for cell growth and development. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are renowned for their heart-health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.

Important Note: These nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators, inputting the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by substituting vegan butter or olive oil for the butter.

Preparation Time

One of the many advantages of this Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli recipe is its quick preparation time. It’s designed for efficiency, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes The preparation for this recipe is incredibly straightforward and quick. The majority of the prep time involves:
  • Preheating the oven: This is a passive step that takes a few minutes.
  • Preparing the baking sheet: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil takes just a minute or two.
  • Trimming the baby broccoli: Trimming the ends of the baby broccoli stalks is a quick task. If using regular broccoli florets, you may need to spend a bit more time cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Mincing the garlic: Mincing two cloves of garlic takes just a few minutes with a sharp knife or garlic press.
  • Melting the butter: Melting butter can be done quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Making the butter sauce: Whisking together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper is a very fast process.
  • Arranging the broccoli and salmon on the baking sheet: Spreading the broccoli and placing the salmon fillets on the baking sheet is a simple and quick step.
  • Pouring the butter sauce: Drizzling the sauce over the salmon and broccoli is the final prep step.
  Overall, the active prep time, where you are actively working in the kitchen, is minimal, typically around 10-15 minutes. This is a recipe that can easily be prepared even on the busiest of weeknights.
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes The baking time is also relatively short, ranging from 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your oven’s performance. The beauty of baking is that it’s a hands-off cooking method. Once the dish is in the oven, you are free to do other things, such as setting the table, preparing a side salad, or simply relaxing while dinner cooks.
• Total Time (Prep + Cook): 22-30 minutes From start to finish, including both preparation and cooking time, this Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an incredibly efficient and convenient meal option for busy individuals and families. You can easily have a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout or prepare many other weeknight meals. The quick preparation and cooking times, combined with the minimal cleanup thanks to the lined baking sheet, make this recipe a true weeknight winner.

How to Serve Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli

Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and more elegant occasions. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a wonderful centerpiece for a healthy and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

• As a Complete Meal:
  • Serve as is: For a simple and healthy meal, serve the baked salmon and baby broccoli as is. It’s a perfectly balanced dish on its own, providing protein, healthy fats, and vegetables in one serving. This is ideal for a quick and light weeknight dinner.
  • With a side of quinoa or brown rice: Add a serving of quinoa or brown rice to create a more substantial and filling meal. These whole grains complement the salmon and broccoli beautifully and add extra fiber and nutrients. The grains can soak up any remaining butter sauce on the plate, adding extra flavor.
  • Alongside roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes. The earthy sweetness of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the buttery salmon and broccoli. You can roast the potatoes alongside the salmon and broccoli on a separate baking sheet to save time.
• Enhance with Fresh Garnishes:
  • Lemon wedges: Always serve with fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a final touch of zest.
  • Fresh dill sprigs: Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an extra burst of fresh herbaceousness and visual appeal. The fresh dill complements the dried dill used in the sauce and adds a vibrant green color to the plate.
  • Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. Parsley is a versatile herb that pairs well with fish and vegetables.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salmon and broccoli before serving. This adds a subtle spicy kick that can enhance the flavors.
• Serve with Complementary Side Dishes:
  • Light Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon and butter sauce. Arugula salad, mixed greens salad, or cucumber salad would all be excellent choices.
  • Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A refreshing tomato and cucumber salad with a lemon-herb dressing adds lightness and acidity to balance the meal.
  • Asparagus: Roasted or steamed asparagus is another green vegetable that pairs beautifully with salmon and complements the baby broccoli.
  • Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce from the plate. Warm, crusty bread is always a welcome addition to a fish dish.
• Consider Serving Temperature:
  • Serve immediately: Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh. The salmon is at its flakiest, and the broccoli is at its most tender-crisp right after baking.
  • Avoid reheating (ideally): While leftovers can be stored and reheated, the texture of the salmon and broccoli is best when freshly cooked. If you do need to reheat, do so gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Arrange attractively: Arrange the salmon fillets and baby broccoli attractively on plates. You can create a visually appealing plate by placing the salmon fillets on a bed of baby broccoli or arranging them side by side.
  • Drizzle with extra sauce (optional): If there’s any remaining butter sauce on the baking sheet, you can drizzle a little extra over the salmon and broccoli on the plates for added flavor and moisture.
  • Garnish thoughtfully: Use garnishes like lemon wedges and fresh herbs to add visual appeal and a final touch of freshness to the dish. A well-garnished plate is always more inviting.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli experience and create a memorable and enjoyable meal for yourself, your family, or your guests.

Additional Tips for Perfect Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli

While this recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, a few extra tips can help ensure your Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli is absolutely perfect every time. These tips cover ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and flavor enhancements, designed to elevate your dish from good to exceptional.

1. Choose High-Quality Salmon: The quality of your salmon directly impacts the taste and texture of the final dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon whenever possible for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. If using farmed salmon, choose sustainably sourced options. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean scent. Avoid salmon that smells fishy or looks dull. Fresh salmon will yield the most moist and flavorful results. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon becomes dry and rubbery, losing its delicate texture and flavor. The key to perfectly cooked salmon is to bake it just until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark and adjust the baking time accordingly. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should be 145°F (63°C). It’s always better to slightly undercook rather than overcook salmon, as it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven (carryover cooking).
3. Tender-Crisp Broccoli is Key: Just like overcooked salmon, overcooked broccoli can become mushy and unappetizing. The goal is to achieve tender-crisp broccoli that is cooked through but still has a slight bite. Spreading the broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet and not overcrowding it is crucial for even roasting. Roasting at a higher temperature (400°F/200°C) helps the broccoli to become tender-crisp without becoming soggy. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam or blanch it briefly before roasting to reduce the roasting time.
4. Customize the Butter Sauce: The butter sauce is the flavor foundation of this dish, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor profile. Consider adding:
   • Fresh herbs: Instead of dried dill, try fresh dill, parsley, chives, thyme, or rosemary.
   • Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for smokiness, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.
   • Citrus zest: Lemon zest or orange zest can add an extra layer of brightness and aroma.
   • White wine: A splash of dry white wine can add depth and complexity to the sauce.
   • Soy sauce or Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of soy sauce or Dijon mustard can add a savory umami note to the sauce.
   Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations.
5. Rest the Salmon Briefly Before Serving: Allowing the baked salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps the juices redistribute throughout the fillet, resulting in more moist and flavorful salmon. Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in the texture and juiciness of the salmon. During this resting time, you can finalize any side dishes or garnishes and get ready to serve.

By incorporating these additional tips, you can consistently create perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli that will impress every time. These small details can make a big difference in the overall success and enjoyment of this simple yet elegant dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli, addressing common queries and providing helpful tips for success.

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen salmon. However, it’s crucial to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen salmon is in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can place the sealed frozen salmon fillet in a zip-top bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes. Never thaw salmon at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth. Once thawed, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe. Thawing and drying the salmon will ensure it bakes properly and doesn’t become watery.

Q2: I don’t have baby broccoli (broccolini). Can I use regular broccoli?

A: Yes, regular broccoli florets can be used as a substitute for baby broccoli. Cut the broccoli florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to baby broccoli florets. Regular broccoli may take slightly longer to cook than baby broccoli, so you might need to increase the baking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli and salmon and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure both are cooked to perfection. You can also blanch or steam the regular broccoli florets for a few minutes before roasting to help them become tender-crisp in a similar timeframe to the salmon.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare some components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can make the butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also trim the baby broccoli and store it in the refrigerator in a zip-top bag for up to a day. However, it’s not recommended to bake the salmon and broccoli ahead of time and reheat it, as the texture of both the salmon and broccoli will be best when freshly cooked. If you need to reheat leftovers, do so gently in the oven or microwave at a low power setting to prevent drying out the salmon.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily add other vegetables to this recipe to create a more varied and nutritious meal. Vegetables that roast well alongside salmon and broccoli include:

• Asparagus: Add asparagus spears alongside the broccoli for the last 10-12 minutes of baking.
• Bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add sweetness and color.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes roast beautifully and add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Red onion: Sliced red onion adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
• Zucchini or yellow squash: Diced zucchini or yellow squash roast quickly and complement the other flavors. When adding other vegetables, consider their cooking time and adjust their size accordingly to ensure they cook evenly with the salmon and broccoli. You may need to add them to the baking sheet at different times depending on their cooking time.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

A: Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, you can easily substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter alternative or olive oil. Using olive oil will change the flavor profile slightly, resulting in a less buttery and richer flavor, but it will still be delicious and healthy. Ensure that any vegan butter alternative you choose is designed for cooking and melting similarly to dairy butter. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free and dairy-free if you have specific dietary needs or allergies.

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