Name: One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
Prep time: PT-491669H5M17S
Cook time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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

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One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a beautifully vibrant dish, marrying the succulent flavors of salmon with the crisp, bright notes of broccoli. As you take your first bite, the tender fish melts in your mouth, enveloped by the aromatic garlic and a hint of zestiness from the orange juice. This dish is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, perfectly suited for a cozy weekday dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to for busy nights when you still want a nutritious meal that feels special.

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

One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is – just one skillet! You don’t have to fuss with a sink full of pots and pans afterward. The vibrant colors of the red bell peppers and broccoli add visual appeal, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is approachable and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try this one-skillet masterpiece in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, orange juice, and salmon creates a zesty burst of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of the broccoli and red peppers make for a gorgeous plate.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner gatherings, meal prep, or a quick weeknight feast.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with tamari.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This rich oil adds healthy fats and flavor to the dish. Use high-quality oil for the best results.
1¼ pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces: Fresh salmon is tender and flavorful, but you can substitute with another firm fish like trout if needed.
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and richness. Feel free to adjust the quantity according to your garlic love!
¾ teaspoon salt, divided: Salt enhances the flavors; use kosher salt for a more nuanced taste.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: This gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust based on your heat preference.
5 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is perfect for adding crunch and nutrition. Frozen works too, but fresh is recommended for texture.
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped (2 cups): Sweet bell peppers provide a beautiful color and add sweetness. You can substitute with yellow or orange peppers for variation.
1 tablespoon water: This helps steam the veggies to tender perfection in the skillet.
1 teaspoon grated orange zest: The zest brightens the dish with citrus notes. Use a microplane for fine zesting.
1½ tablespoons orange juice: Fresh juice brings out the flavor of the salmon and vegetables.
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, it adds umami depth.
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions: For garnish, adding a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

Heat the Oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial for achieving that delectable sear on our salmon.

Cook the Salmon: Once the oil is hot, add the 1¼ pounds of skinless center-cut salmon fillet pieces and half of the sliced garlic in a single layer. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking, until the salmon is opaque and just cooked through. Remove the pieces using a fish spatula or tongs and transfer them to a plate.

Add the Vegetables: Without wiping the skillet clean (we want all those lovely flavors), toss in 5 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of chopped red bell peppers, along with 1 tablespoon of water and the remaining sliced garlic (4 cloves). Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.

Flavor the Dish: After your vegetables are vibrant and fragrant, stir in 1½ tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium tamari, mixing well. Now it’s time to gently fold in that delicious salmon to combine everything beautifully.

Serve the Dish: Divide this gorgeous mixture among 4 shallow bowls, making sure to spoon any remaining liquid from the pan over the servings. Finish with a sprinkle of 1 teaspoon grated orange zest and 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions to elevate the flavors.

Storing & Reheating

To store your One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli, let it cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll hold up well for about 3 months. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for roughly 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Note that while flavors will still be tasty, the texture might soften after reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the salmon by keeping a close eye on it once it starts turning opaque.
For richer flavor, let the garlic become fragrant without burning—watch it closely!
Try substituting salmon with another protein, like chicken or tofu for variety.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa on the side, should you want to make it heartier.
Prep your ingredients beforehand to streamline your cooking process.
A splash of sesame oil right before serving can easily elevate the flavor profile.

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a fantastic dish that balances quick prep with big flavor. It’s a perfect choice for those evenings when you want something healthy, vibrant, and delicious without any fuss. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, add your favorite seasonal vegetables, or throw in a squeeze of lemon for added brightness. I can’t wait for you to take your first bite!

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 adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets, as frozen salmon takes a little longer to cook through.

What sides can I serve with this dish?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even alongside a fresh salad. Sweet potato mash or a light cucumber salad would also make great companions!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, you can prep the veggies and salmon ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Cook everything on the day you plan to serve it for the best experience!

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should appear opaque throughout with an internal temperature of 145°F. Using a fork to check for flakiness is also a good method; if it flakes easily, it’s done! Be careful not to overcook, as it can become dry.