Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. This dish features crispy salmon fillets served with tender broccoli in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and ready in just 25 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (4 oz/112 g each), skin-on
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
3-4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
⅔ cup (160 ml) fish or vegetable broth
⅔ cup (160 ml) heavy cream
8 oz (224 g) cream cheese, softened
3 cups (273 g) broccoli florets
1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare Salmon:
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
Cook Salmon:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- When the butter is foamy, add the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until flaky. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Prepare Sauce:
- Lower heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted, creating a smooth sauce.
Cook Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender and bright green.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the fillets and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, and serve warm.

Nutrients

Calories: 602 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 50 g
Saturated Fat: 26 g
Cholesterol: 179 mg
Sodium: 466 mg
Potassium: 899 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Vitamin A: 2221 IU
Vitamin C: 63 mg
Calcium: 134 mg
Iron: 2 mg

This creamy and flavorful salmon dish is a satisfying, low-carb meal that pairs perfectly with its tender broccoli and rich sauce!

The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients

The success of this dish lies in its carefully selected ingredients that work together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors:

Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish, salmon brings a rich, buttery flavor and is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. The crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Broccoli: Adding a fresh and tender contrast to the richness of the sauce, broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to this keto meal.
Garlic Butter Sauce: A decadent mix of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cream cheese, the sauce is velvety smooth and infused with a savory depth that complements the salmon and broccoli perfectly.

The combination of these components makes this dish not only keto-friendly but also incredibly satisfying.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle. Salmon is a top source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote brain health. It’s also rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, provides a hefty dose of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Its antioxidant properties support immune health and digestion, while its low-carb content makes it ideal for keto diets.

The creamy garlic butter sauce adds richness and fat, ensuring this dish fits perfectly into a ketogenic meal plan. By combining these ingredients, Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and nourishment.

Why One-Pan Meals Are Game-Changers

One of the best features of this recipe is that it’s made in just one pan. This approach has several benefits:

Convenience: Cooking everything in a single skillet minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Enhanced Flavor: Using the same pan allows the flavors to build, as the browned bits from the salmon infuse the sauce and broccoli with extra depth.
Efficiency: With fewer dishes to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

This simplicity makes Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli a go-to option for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Customizations for Personal Taste

While the original recipe is delicious as is, it’s highly customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetable Variations: Swap broccoli for asparagus, zucchini, or spinach for a different take on the dish.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Substitutions: Replace parsley with dill, basil, or chives for a unique herbal twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the dish lactose-friendly.

These tweaks allow you to make the recipe your own, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your weekly meal rotation.

Tips for the Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon

Cooking salmon to perfection can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure success:

Start with Dry Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fillets in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly without steaming.
Use Medium Heat: Cooking salmon over medium heat allows the skin to crisp up while the interior cooks gently.
Resist Flipping Too Soon: Let the salmon cook undisturbed on the skin side for 3-4 minutes before flipping. This ensures a golden, crispy crust.

Pairing Suggestions

Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it further with complementary sides and beverages:

Side Dishes: Serve with a simple arugula salad, cauliflower mash, or roasted Brussels sprouts for additional texture and flavor.
Beverages: Pair with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or lime works wonderfully.
Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted almonds or grated Parmesan over the dish for added crunch and depth.

These pairings round out the meal, creating a dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli stands out for its ability to deliver a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon make it a dish that feels indulgent while still aligning with health-conscious goals. The quick preparation time and one-pan approach make it a lifesaver for busy individuals who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a delicious dinner option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Its balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients ensures it will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Conclusion

Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can result in a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. The crispy salmon, tender broccoli, and creamy garlic butter sauce come together in perfect harmony, creating a meal that satisfies both the palate and dietary needs.

This recipe’s versatility, quick preparation, and minimal cleanup make it a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Keto Pan-Seared Salmon and Broccoli delivers on all fronts. Add this one-pan wonder to your menu, and enjoy the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.