One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is the sort of dish that ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, delicious, and packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Picture perfectly seared salmon pieces glistening with garlic, nestled beside vibrant broccoli florets and sweet, crunchy bell peppers. The entire dish comes together in a single skillet, making clean-up as easy as the cooking itself. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or a meal that’s impressive enough for guests, this dish is sure to make your taste buds dance.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

When I first discovered this recipe, I felt a rush of excitement at how little time it took to prepare a meal that tasted so gourmet. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques makes it a go-to in my kitchen. The brightness of orange juice and zest, paired with the richness of the salmon, creates a flavor profile that’s truly irresistible. If you haven’t tried this One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli yet, now is the perfect time to whip it up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of cook time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The garlic and orange zest elevate the salmon, infusing the dish with a burst of freshness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful blend of broccoli and red bell peppers makes this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Great for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining; it’s sure to impress!
Diet-Friendly Options: Packed with nutrients, this dish is gluten-free and easily adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sear the salmon. Consider avocado oil as a substitute for a lighter flavor.
1¼ pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star of the dish, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Feel free to swap it with trout for a different taste.
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor. You can use minced if you prefer a quicker prep.
¾ teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. Sea salt lends a beautiful texture.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: A dash of heat complements the salmon beautifully, but adjust to your taste.
5 cups broccoli florets: Offers crunch and color; you could also use green beans or asparagus in their place.
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped (2 cups): Sweet and crunchy, they add a wonderful contrast to the salmon. Yellow or orange peppers also work well.
1 tablespoon water: Helps steam the vegetables, making them tender-crisp.
1 teaspoon grated orange zest: Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing citrus kick.
1½ tablespoons orange juice: Provides acidity that balances the richness of the salmon.
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, giving a savory depth. You can use regular soy sauce if preferred.
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions: For garnish, these add a mild onion flavor that enhances the final dish.

How to Make One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

Heat Oil: In a large nonstick skillet with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, it’s time to add the salmon.

Cook Salmon: Add the salmon pieces in an even layer along with 4 cloves of the sliced garlic. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook uncovered, gently stirring and turning, until the salmon is opaque on all sides, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a plate using a fish spatula or tongs.

Add Vegetables: Without wiping the skillet clean, toss in 5 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of chopped red bell peppers. Add 1 tablespoon of water and the remaining 4 cloves of sliced garlic along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Mix in Flavor: After the veggies are cooked, stir in 1½ tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium tamari. Gently fold the cooked salmon back into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the vibrant mixture.

Serve: Divide the garlicky salmon and vegetable medley among 4 shallow bowls. Spoon any remaining flavorful liquid from the pan over each serving. Finish off with a sprinkle of 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest and 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced scallions for that perfect garnish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For refrigeration, place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the salmon and broccoli mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently in the skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of orange juice during reheating can refresh the flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the salmon; it should flake easily but still be moist inside.
Make sure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
For an extra punch of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet when cooking the vegetables.
To save time, prepare the garlic and cut the vegetables in advance.
If you love spice, sprinkle some more crushed red pepper or chili flakes while serving.
This dish is super versatile—try adding other seasonal vegetables like snap peas or carrots.

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli not only delivers on taste but also brings ease to your meal prep. With its burst of fresh flavors and the joy of cooking everything in one skillet, it becomes a beloved staple in any kitchen. Experiment with the ingredients based on your preferences and seasonal availability. The beauty of this dish is that it welcomes creativity, ensuring you’ll enjoy it every time you make it. So gather your ingredients, and let’s make dinnertime enjoyable again!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Definitely! If using frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly, depending on thickness.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

If you’re not a fan of broccoli, feel free to use green beans, asparagus, or even zucchini. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prep the salmon and chop the vegetables a day ahead. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to cook it fresh right before serving.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a pale pink color throughout. It’s recommended to use a food thermometer, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

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One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: No Data
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli combines the rich taste of salmon with vibrant vegetables and garlic, making it an ideal choice for a quick, healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add salmon pieces and half of the sliced garlic, then sprinkle with salt and crushed red pepper.
Cook uncovered, turning occasionally, until salmon is opaque and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer salmon to a plate.
In the same skillet, add broccoli, chopped bell peppers, water, remaining garlic, and salt.
Cover and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in orange juice and tamari, then gently fold in the cooked salmon.
Serve in shallow bowls, spooning any liquid from the pan overtop.
Garnish with orange zest and scallions.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice at the end.
Can substitute other seasonal vegetables like green beans or snap peas.
Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.