Pan-Seared Salmon with Buttered Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes

Pan-seared salmon with buttered broccoli and mashed potatoes is a quick dinner that still feels a little special. The salmon cooks in minutes, the potatoes become a smooth mash, and the broccoli adds freshness, colour and a simple buttery finish.

Quick dinner · 25 minutes

This is an easy way to make salmon feel complete without adding complicated sides. Start the potatoes first, add the broccoli near the end, then sear the salmon while the mash comes together.

Recipe

Juicy Pan-Seared Salmon with Buttered Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes

A simple, slightly more elegant dinner with juicy salmon, smooth mashed potatoes and buttered broccoli.

Prep time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 Difficulty: easy (2/5)

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets, about 150 g each
• 400 g potatoes for boiling
• 1 small head broccoli, about 300 g
• 30 g butter
• 50 ml warm milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper
• ground nutmeg
• 2 lemon wedges

Method

1. Peel the potatoes, cut them into evenly sized cubes and place them in a pot of cold salted water. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes from boiling, or until tender.
2. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Add it to the potatoes for the last 5 minutes of cooking, or cook it separately in salted boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice.
5. Mash the drained potatoes. Add 20 g butter, warm milk, salt and a pinch of nutmeg, then mix until smooth.
6. Toss the cooked broccoli with the remaining 10 g butter. Serve the mashed potatoes with salmon and buttered broccoli.

Tip: Do not overcook salmon. It should stay juicy in the centre and flake easily with a fork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks juicy in the centre. If it cooks too long, it becomes dry quickly.

Can I cook broccoli with the potatoes?

Yes. Add the broccoli for the last 5 minutes of potato cooking so it softens but stays green and does not fall apart.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it slowly in the fridge first and pat it dry well before cooking, so it sears better in the pan.

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