If you’ve been searching for a deliciously comforting yet elegant dish to bring to your dinner table, this Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich aroma of real butter mingled with garlic and shallots creates a luscious sauce that perfectly envelops tender, flaky wild salmon. Paired with the vibrant crunch of baby broccoli, this dish balances indulgence with fresh, green crispness. Simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it an instant favorite for nights when you want to treat yourself or share something special with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of fresh broccoli with small tight green florets and thick green stems. In front of the broccoli, there are two small brown onions with shiny skins and a few white garlic cloves. To the right, a fresh green rosemary sprig with needle-like leaves leans gently against the onions. All ingredients rest on a soft light blue cloth, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and easy to find but each plays a crucial role in building those comforting and fresh flavors we love. From the creaminess of real butter to the fragrant kick from fresh rosemary, every item contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color on your plate.

½ cup real butter: The star that melts into a rich, velvety sauce coating the salmon and broccoli beautifully.
3 cloves garlic finely chopped: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that you’ll taste in every bite.
1 shallot finely chopped (about ½ cup): Brings subtle sweetness and enhances the buttery sauce without overpowering.
1 ½ – 2 pounds wild salmon fillet: Choose fresh for the best flavor and flaky texture after baking.
½ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste: Essential for seasoning to highlight all other flavors.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of herbal brightness that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat and earthiness.
1 pound sweet baby broccoli or broccolini washed and thoroughly pat-dried: Offers a tender yet crisp veggie contrast, keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.
2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil: For roasting the baby broccoli to a lovely caramelized finish.
2 – 3 sprigs fresh rosemary: Infuses a fragrant, piney note that takes the buttery sauce to the next level.

How to Make Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Sauce

Start by melting the ½ cup of real butter gently over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and shallot, letting them soften and release their wonderful aromas without browning—this delicate step builds the luscious base for your salmon’s buttery coating. Add the dried basil and fresh rosemary sprigs now so their flavors can infuse the sauce.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place your wild salmon fillet on a lined baking sheet or roasting pan, skin-side down. Sprinkle the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the salmon, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned. This simple touch is what brings out the natural flavor of the fish.

Step 3: Prep the Baby Broccoli

Toss the baby broccoli in 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Spread them around the salmon on the baking sheet to roast alongside — roasting them this way lets their edges crisp just enough while maintaining a bright green color and fresh bite.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Bake

Pour the warm butter sauce over the salmon and baby broccoli, making sure everything gets coated evenly. The rosemary sprigs can be nestled around the pan for extra aroma. Pop everything into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender but crisp.

How to Serve Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with small, light yellow chopped garlic and light purple chopped onions frying in clear oil. The garlic and onions are spread evenly in a single thin layer across the pan, showing a mix of soft and slightly shiny textures. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are a wonderful garnish here, providing a bright citrus zest that cuts through the buttery richness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives also adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that’s visually appealing and tasty.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the buttery sauce amazingly well. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special presentation, plate the salmon over a bed of herbed quinoa or cauliflower rice and arrange the roasted baby broccoli artfully around it. Drizzle any remaining buttery rosemary sauce over the top for a glossy finish that looks as indulgent as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon and baby broccoli, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days — perfect for a nutritious next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon can be tricky because it may dry out, but if necessary, wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. The baby broccoli is best eaten fresh but can be frozen separately if you blanch it first.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the salmon, warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) covered with foil, or use a microwave on low power with a damp paper towel covering the fish. Reheat the broccoli separately to preserve its texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well; just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry for the best texture and even cooking.

What if I don’t have baby broccoli? Can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! Broccolini or tender asparagus make great substitutes, offering a similar fresh crunch and mild flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil, though the flavor will slightly differ from the original buttery richness.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly baked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through—usually 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop the garlic, shallots, and rosemary ahead and prepare the butter sauce in advance, storing it refrigerated. Just warm it gently before finishing the dish to save time.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to pull together on any weeknight or special occasion. The flavors are rich yet balanced, with the fresh crunch of baby broccoli complementing the tender, buttery salmon perfectly. Once you make it, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s both comforting and elegant—a true joy to serve and enjoy!

Buttery Baked Salmon with Baby Broccoli Recipe