Save There's something magical about a perfectly roasted salmon fillet with a golden, savory crust. This Keto Garlic Parmesan Salmon with Roasted Broccoli brings together the rich flavors of fresh fish, nutty Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon in a dish that feels indulgent while keeping carbs impressively low. As the salmon bakes, the cheese forms a delectable crust while the interior remains tender and moist, creating that perfect textural contrast that makes a meal truly memorable.
Save This sheet pan dinner has become a weeknight staple in my home, saving me on those evenings when I want something nourishing but don't have the energy for elaborate cooking. The beauty of this recipe is how the salmon and broccoli cook at the same rate, allowing everything to finish perfectly at once. As they roast, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs and cheese that makes everyone eager to gather around the table.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz / 170 g) skinless salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for the salmon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or parsley)
- ½ tsp sea salt (for the salmon)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for the salmon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb / 450 g), cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for the broccoli)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (for the broccoli)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for the broccoli)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Parmesan topping
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
- Prepare the salmon
- Arrange the salmon fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic-Parmesan paste evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Prepare the broccoli
- Place the broccoli florets on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Roast everything together
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Serve
- Serve salmon and broccoli hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, try to select salmon fillets that are similar in thickness so they'll cook evenly. If you find that your broccoli tends to cook faster than the salmon, you can place the broccoli closer to the outer edges of the pan where it's slightly cooler. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan – everything should be in a single layer to ensure proper roasting rather than steaming. For even more flavor development, let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe can be adapted in several ways while maintaining its keto-friendly status. Try using a mixture of Parmesan and Romano cheese for a more complex flavor profile. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese topping. As mentioned in the notes, broccolini or asparagus make excellent alternatives to broccoli. For a more Mediterranean twist, incorporate a few halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives to roast alongside the broccoli. Just remember to account for the slight increase in carbs if you add tomatoes.
Serviervorschläge
This complete keto meal stands beautifully on its own, but you can enhance it further with a few complementary touches. A dollop of homemade garlic aioli or a drizzle of lemon butter sauce makes an elegant addition. For a heartier meal, serve alongside cauliflower rice tossed with herbs. When entertaining, consider starting with a simple keto-friendly salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. And as noted in the recipe, a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the salmon and bright notes of lemon.
Save What makes this Keto Garlic Parmesan Salmon truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The combination of flaky salmon, savory Parmesan crust, and perfectly roasted broccoli creates a harmony of flavors and textures that satisfy without weighing you down. Whether you're following a keto lifestyle or simply enjoy delicious, wholesome food, this one-pan wonder deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. With just 7g of carbs per serving and 40g of protein, it's a nutritional powerhouse that proves eating well never has to mean sacrificing flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best way to prepare the garlic-Parmesan paste?
Mix minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon zest, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until combined into a spreadable paste for even coverage on the salmon.
- → How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance at the center, typically after 18-20 minutes of roasting at 400°F.
- → Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, broccolini or asparagus work well with similar roast times and flavors for a nice variation.
- → What kind of lemon is best for serving?
Fresh lemon wedges provide a bright citrus note that complements the rich garlic-Parmesan crust perfectly.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, though Parmesan cheese should be checked for gluten if highly sensitive.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best taste and safety.