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Crispy High-Protein Grilled Salmon Recipe with Easy Broccoli Side

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A quick and easy high-protein dinner featuring crispy skin salmon paired with garlicky steamed broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
  • Sea salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper – freshly ground, ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Broccoli florets – about 3 cups (roughly 300 grams), fresh or frozen
  • Lemon – 1, juiced and zested
  • Butter – 1 tablespoon, softened (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes – a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Bring about an inch of water to a simmer in a pot with a steaming basket. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  4. Carefully place the salmon in the skillet, skin side down. Press down gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 5-6 minutes undisturbed until edges turn opaque.
  5. Using tongs or a fish spatula, flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until salmon is just opaque in the center and flakes easily.
  6. In a small pan or the same skillet if there’s space, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Toss in the steamed broccoli, sprinkle with lemon zest, a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir well and remove from heat.
  8. Plate the salmon fillets, top with a little extra lemon juice if desired, and serve alongside the garlicky broccoli.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not move salmon too soon to allow skin to form a crust. Press fillet gently at the start to prevent curling. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp to retain color and crunch. Add garlic last minute to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, omit butter or substitute with plant-based oil. Salmon can be grilled skin-side down as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon recipe, high protein dinner, crispy salmon skin, healthy salmon, broccoli side dish, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/crispy-high-protein-grilled-salmon-recipe-with-easy-broccoli-side/