One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Potatoes – Fancy but Frugal!

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Think you need a big budget to enjoy a fancy salmon dinner? Think again! This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Potatoes is packed with flavor, looks restaurant-worthy, and costs less than $5 per serving.

By using simple, affordable ingredients and cooking everything on one sheet pan, you’ll save time, effort, and money—without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this budget-friendly salmon recipe will impress without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One pan = easy cleanup
✔ Ready in 30 minutes
✔ Packed with healthy omega-3s
✔ Tastes gourmet for less
✔ Perfect for meal prep

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple and affordable by using budget-friendly salmon fillets (fresh or frozen) and basic pantry ingredients.

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 5-6 oz each) 🛒 How to choose budget-friendly salmon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, if available)
• 1 lemon, sliced

For the Roasted Potatoes:

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme

📝 How to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary.
3. Spread them out on a lined sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes while you prepare the salmon.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.

Step 3: Add Salmon to the Pan

5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and push the potatoes to one side.
6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the empty space.
7. Brush the salmon generously with the lemon garlic butter sauce and top with lemon slices.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

8. Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
9. If you like crispy edges, broil for 2 minutes at the end!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

10. Plate the salmon with roasted potatoes and drizzle with any extra sauce from the pan.
11. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon for that restaurant-style touch!

💰 How Much Does This Meal Cost?

Estimated cost per serving: $4.50 (varies by location)

• Salmon fillets (frozen) – $3.50
• Baby potatoes – $1.00
• Lemon, garlic, seasonings – $0.50

🛒 Want to save more? Try these money-saving tips:
✅ Buy frozen salmon – It’s 50% cheaper than fresh and just as nutritious!
✅ Shop at discount stores – Stores like Aldi, Costco, and Walmart have affordable seafood options.
✅ Use regular potatoes – Instead of baby potatoes, chop russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the same delicious results!

🥗 What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Salmon

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try pairing it with:

✔ Simple Roasted Vegetables – Easy roasted veggie recipe
✔ Garlic Butter Asparagus – Quick stovetop asparagus
✔ Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Crispy and delicious!

🧑‍🍳 Common Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Frozen salmon is a budget-friendly alternative to fresh fish. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly defrost in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.

How do I know when salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is fully cooked at 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check for flakiness—it should easily break apart with a fork.

👉 How to tell if salmon is done

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Just air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the potatoes halfway through.

🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Salmon

Looking for affordable salmon options? Check out:

🔹 Wild-caught vs. farmed salmon: Which is cheaper?
🔹 The best frozen salmon brands ranked
🔹 How to buy salmon on a budget

Final Thoughts: A Fancy Meal on a Budget

This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Potatoes proves that you don’t need a big budget to eat a gourmet-style meal at home. It’s healthy, easy, affordable, and impressive enough for date night—all for around $5 per serving!

👉 What’s your favorite budget-friendly salmon recipe? Drop it in the comments below!

📌 Loved this recipe? Pin it for later!

🔗 More budget meal ideas:

• 25 Cheap Dinner Ideas Under $5
• How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
• 10 Grocery Hacks to Save Money