One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a dish that beautifully captures the essence of simplicity and deliciousness. Tender pieces of salmon play perfectly with the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all infused with the rich, aromatic presence of garlic. This savory meal comes together in just one skillet, making not only the cooking process easy but also the cleanup—a dream! It’s a dish that’s sure to please your family during busy weeknights or even impress a guest when you’re looking to serve something special without a lot of fuss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

The first time I made this dish, I was surprised at how quickly it came together. From the sizzling garlic to the vibrant colors of the broccoli and peppers, it’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas. It’s a fabulous solution for when you crave something healthy, yet hearty. So why not give this One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli a try? I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The garlic adds depth, while the salmon and veggies create a delightful harmony.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of vibrant red bell peppers and green broccoli makes this dish a feast for your eyes too.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy as a delightful dinner or prepare in advance for easy lunches throughout the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, ideal for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This healthy fat enhances the flavors and helps to sear the salmon nicely. You can substitute it with avocado oil if you prefer.
1¼ pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillet: For the best taste and texture, opt for fresh or quality frozen fillets. Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Garlic not only adds flavor but also an enticing aroma. Feel free to adjust the amount to your garlic preference!
¾ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the delicious flavors, you can use less if you’re watching your sodium intake.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a pleasant hint of heat—omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
5 cups broccoli florets: This nutrient-dense veggie complements the salmon beautifully. Frozen broccoli can work, but fresh gives a better texture.
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped (2 cups): Their sweetness balances the dish. Yellow or orange peppers can also be used for variety.
1 tablespoon water: Will help steam the veggies, keeping them tender-crisp.
1 teaspoon grated orange zest: Provides brightness and a hint of citrus, uplifting the entire dish.
1½ tablespoons orange juice: Fresh juice is best, with added sweetness and acidity balancing the rich salmon.
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, bringing umami richness to the vegetables.
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color—perfect for garnishing!

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. You want the skillet nice and hot to sear the salmon perfectly.

Cook the Salmon: Add the 1¼ pounds of cut salmon pieces in an even layer, along with half of the 8 sliced garlic cloves. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring gently, until the salmon is opaque on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Pay attention, as you want it cooked but still tender. Use a fish spatula to transfer the salmon to a plate—set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: Without cleaning the skillet, toss in the 5 cups of broccoli florets and the 2 cups of chopped red bell peppers. Add 1 tablespoon water, the remaining garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cover with a lid and let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the veggies to be tender-crisp and fragrant, with beautiful colors showing.

Mix in the Sauce: Once the veggies are ready, stir in 1½ tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium tamari. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

Fold in the Salmon: Gently fold the cooked salmon back into the skillet, mixing everything together carefully so the fish stays intact.

Serve and Garnish: Divide the contents among 4 shallow bowls, spooning any remaining pan liquid over the servings. Top with 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest and the sliced scallions for a fresh kick.

Storing & Reheating

To store, allow your One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container, where it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—this will help retain some of its texture. Just keep in mind that reheating may slightly alter the salmon’s texture, so aim to enjoy it fresh when you can!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked salmon, don’t rush the cooking time; keep an eye on the color change from pink to opaque.
If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper.
Make sure your broccoli is cut into uniform florets for even cooking.
You can prep the veggies and salmon ahead of time, making the cooking process even quicker during a busy weeknight.
Experiment with other veggies you love—zucchini or snap peas can be delicious additions too!

What I love most about this One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is that it not only delivers on flavor but also on ease and health. It’s a complete meal brimming with nourishment and taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen salmon is a great option and will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.

What can I serve with One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli?

This dish is self-sufficient, but if you want to pair it with something, consider serving it over a bed of quinoa, rice, or couscous for a heartier meal. A simple side salad could also be a refreshing addition.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Certainly! Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or sliced carrots. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some may need a bit longer than broccoli.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

Perfectly cooked salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer—salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

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One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

This One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli is a quick and delicious meal, featuring tender salmon and vibrant veggies in a tasty garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy dinner!

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

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add salmon pieces and half the sliced garlic in an even layer, then sprinkle with salt and crushed red pepper.
Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the salmon is opaque and just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
In the same skillet, add broccoli, chopped bell peppers, water, remaining garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in orange juice and tamari, gently fold in the cooked salmon, and serve in shallow bowls, spooning remaining liquid over top.
Garnish with orange zest and sliced scallions.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.
For a more vibrant flavor, try adding lemon zest in place of orange zest.