Pan-fried Salmon with Broccoli & Potatoes
wherein I wax eloquent about simple foods
This is a simple meal, but what it lacks in impressive or exotic ingredients, it makes up for in flavor. Plus, barely any dishes (!).
Whole foods like these, cooked well, are one of life’s simple pleasures. The crunchy perfection of heat, oil, salt, and broccoli. The elegant meatiness of a fried potato. The juicy flakiness of the fish.
Sorry if this all feels corny. I guess I am a little bit weird, but this kind of simplicity speaks to me. I worked on an organic CSA farm after college, and we often fried up potatoes and whatever vegetables were in season for dinner with some chicken, fish, or, most likely, eggs. So this kind of meal always makes me think of the summer, even though I love to enjoy it year-round.
A tip— if the weather is nice (e.g. warmer than 50 degrees, not raining) and you can swing it, try cooking outside! I always take my electric skillet outside to fry fish on the deck when I can. It’s nice to be outside, plus it keeps my house from smelling like fish for the rest of the night.
Pan-fried Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 4
For Dietary Restrictions
Gluten free: this recipe is gluten-free
Dairy free: this recipe is dairy-free
Kids Can Help
scrub the potatoes, wash the broccoli and break into florets, sprinkle everything with seasonings
Ingredients
1.25 lb salmon filets, fresh preferred
6 medium red or Yukon gold potatoes
3 broccoli crowns
Salt
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Tools
Cutting board
Chef knife
Paper towels
Large flat spatula
Electric skillet (or use two large pans on the stove)
Directions
Wash & cut the potatoes: Cut into 4ths lengthwise (wedges), then into chunks about the width of your finger.Â
Wash the broccoli and separate into florets, halving any large ones.
Prepare the salmon; rinse and pat dry with paper towels, and sprinkle the top generously with salt and garlic powder. If you have one large filet, cut it into smaller pieces for a shorter cooking time.
In a large electric skillet (or in two large frying pans on the stove), heat 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the fish, skin side up, then spread the potatoes and broccoli around it. Sprinkle everything with more salt and garlic powder.
Allow the fish to cook undisturbed for at least 5 minutes, though you should stir the potatoes and broccoli to ensure even cooking. After 5-10 minutes, flip the salmon over, flip the potatoes and broccoli again, cover, and continue to cook until the potatoes are tender and the salmon reaches 145 degrees. Serve immediately.