Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss potatoes in olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the sheet.
- Roast potatoes for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- While potatoes roast, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin.
- Listen for a gentle sizzle as fillets hit the pan.
- Cook 4–5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until flaky.
- Optional: add extra garlic and herbs during the last minute for aroma.
- Check potatoes for crispness; remove from oven when golden brown.
- Plate salmon alongside roasted potatoes, drizzle with pan juices.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking salmon, which can make it dry. Patting it dry and searing at medium heat helps develop a golden crust without losing moisture. Potatoes roast best when spread in a single layer to allow airflow and crispness.
Substitutions: Swap baby potatoes for fingerlings or Yukon golds. Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a neutral flavor, and butter can be swapped for ghee if desired. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or dill enhance flavor without overpowering the fish.
Timing tip: Start roasting potatoes first, then cook salmon in a skillet, so both components finish around the same time. Rest salmon for 2–3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices and maximize tenderness.
