Keto Citrus Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

There are some dinners that feel fancy enough for a weekend but are actually easy enough for a busy Tuesday night. Keto Citrus Salmon with Brussels Sprouts is exactly that kind of meal.

I love the combination of buttery salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, fresh lemon, garlic, and just a little chili heat. The citrus wakes everything up, while the butter gives the salmon a rich, silky finish.

I made this recently when I wanted something that felt light and fresh but still satisfying, and it was one of those meals where everyone quietly eats for a few minutes before somebody finally says, “This is really good.” That is always a good sign in my kitchen.

What I especially love is that almost everything cooks together on one sheet pan. Less cleanup, less fuss, and dinner is on the table in about 35 minutes.

The salmon becomes tender and flaky, the Brussels sprouts roast until their edges are beautifully browned, and the citrus-garlic glaze ties everything together.

If you’re following a keto lifestyle, this is also an easy dinner to keep in your regular rotation. The original recipe uses salmon, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, chili paste, and cilantro, creating a flavorful low-carb meal without relying on heavy sauces or sugary ingredients.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Keto Salmon

• Easy one-pan dinner
• Ready in about 35 minutes
• Fresh, bright citrus flavor
• Tender, buttery salmon
• Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
• Naturally low in carbohydrates
• High in protein
• Minimal cleanup
• Great for weeknights or guests
• Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and seasonings

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salmon and Brussels Sprouts

• 2 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Citrus Garlic Glaze

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

The original recipe uses these same core ingredients and cooks the salmon and Brussels sprouts together on a sheet pan.

A Note About the Citrus

Fresh lemon juice gives this recipe its bright, zesty flavor without needing a sweet glaze.

If you want even more citrus flavor, add a little freshly grated lemon zest to the butter mixture.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Keto Citrus Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

A hot oven is important because you want the Brussels sprouts to roast and brown rather than simply soften.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends from the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves.

Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.

Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Try to arrange the Brussels sprouts with the cut sides facing down when they go onto the sheet pan. This helps them develop those delicious browned edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Citrus Garlic Glaze

In a small bowl, combine:

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chili paste
• Chopped cilantro

Stir everything together until well combined.

The smell alone is enough to make you hungry.

The butter gives the glaze richness, lemon adds brightness, garlic brings savory depth, paprika adds warmth, and chili paste gives everything a gentle kick.

Step 4: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

This helps the glaze cling to the surface and encourages better browning.

Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Brush about half of the citrus garlic glaze over the salmon, making sure the top is nicely coated.

Step 5: Add the Brussels Sprouts

Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts around the salmon.

Try not to overcrowd the pan. Giving the vegetables some breathing room helps them roast instead of steaming.

Step 6: Bake

Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for approximately 15–20 minutes.

The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the size of the Brussels sprouts.

The salmon should become opaque and flake easily with a fork.

The original recipe recommends roasting at 400°F for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Step 7: Finish With More Citrus Glaze

Remove the pan from the oven.

Brush the remaining citrus garlic glaze over the salmon.

Sprinkle with a little extra chopped cilantro if desired.

For an even brighter finish, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice right before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the salmon and Brussels sprouts to plates while everything is still hot.

Spoon any buttery juices from the pan over the salmon.

Then dig in.

The contrast is wonderful—the salmon is tender and rich, while the roasted Brussels sprouts bring a slightly crisp, nutty bite.

🍋 Tips for the Best Citrus Salmon

Pat the salmon dry

Don’t skip this little step.

Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning and glaze stick to the salmon and encourages better roasting.

Use fresh lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice gives the glaze a much brighter flavor than bottled juice.

Don’t overcook the salmon

This is probably the most important tip.

Salmon can go from perfectly tender to dry surprisingly quickly, especially with thinner fillets.

Start checking it toward the lower end of the cooking range.

Cut Brussels sprouts evenly

Try to keep the Brussels sprouts similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate.

If some are very large, cut them into quarters.

Give everything room

A crowded sheet pan traps steam.

If necessary, use two pans rather than piling everything onto one small tray.

Add the cilantro at the end

Fresh cilantro tastes brighter when added toward the end rather than cooked for a long time.

🌶️ Easy Ways to Customize It

This recipe is wonderfully flexible.

Make It More Spicy

Increase the chili paste or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Make It Extra Garlicky

Add another clove or two of fresh garlic to the glaze.

Add Lemon Zest

Grate a little lemon zest directly into the butter mixture for an extra citrus punch.

Use Dill Instead of Cilantro

If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh dill pairs beautifully with salmon and lemon.

Add Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

During the final few minutes of roasting, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the Brussels sprouts.

Try Lime

Replace some of the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

🥦 What to Serve With Keto Citrus Salmon

Honestly, this meal is complete all by itself.

But if you’re feeding a hungry family or want to make dinner feel a little more special, serve it with another keto-friendly side.

Try:

• Cauliflower rice
• Garlic sautéed spinach
• Roasted asparagus
• Sautéed zucchini
• Cucumber salad
• Avocado salad
• Cauliflower mash
• Simple green salad
• Sautéed mushrooms

I especially love serving this with cauliflower rice because it soaks up some of that buttery citrus sauce.

🍽️ Turn It Into a Meal-Prep Dinner

This salmon works well for meal prep because the main components are already cooked together.

Prepare the salmon and Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool, and divide them into individual containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, use gentle heat so the salmon doesn’t dry out.

The original recipe also suggests meal-prepping individual portions and notes that the dish can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for longer storage.

🧊 Can You Freeze Citrus Salmon?

Yes, although fresh salmon will generally have the best texture.

If freezing, allow the cooked salmon and Brussels sprouts to cool completely.

Place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to about 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

🔥 How to Reheat

Oven

Place the salmon and Brussels sprouts in a baking dish.

Cover loosely with foil and warm at 300–325°F until heated through.

The lower temperature helps prevent the salmon from drying out.

Microwave

For a quick lunch, microwave in short intervals until warm.

Avoid overheating because salmon can become dry and rubbery.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is this salmon recipe keto?

Yes. The recipe is built around salmon, Brussels sprouts, butter, olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, and seasonings rather than sugary sauces or starchy ingredients. The source recipe lists approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber per serving, though exact nutrition will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes.

Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it very dry before seasoning.

Frozen salmon can release extra moisture while cooking, which can affect browning.

Can I use another fish?

Absolutely.

This citrus butter glaze would also work well with cod, halibut, or another firm white fish.

Keep in mind that cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

You can, but fresh Brussels sprouts generally roast better and develop more caramelized edges.

If using frozen, don’t thaw them first. Roast them separately for a little longer before adding the salmon.

Can I make this without chili paste?

Yes.

Simply leave it out for a mild citrus-garlic flavor.

You can also replace it with a small pinch of red pepper flakes.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

Use fresh parsley or dill instead.

Both work beautifully with lemon and salmon.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The thickest part should flake easily with a fork.

For the most precise result, use an instant-read thermometer and follow the doneness level you prefer while also observing food-safety guidance for cooked fish.

Can I make this on a grill?

Yes.

The salmon can be grilled separately while the Brussels sprouts cook in a grill-safe pan or basket.

Brush the citrus glaze on during cooking and again shortly before serving.

📝 Recipe at a Glance

Recipe: Keto Citrus Salmon with Brussels Sprouts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired
Method: Sheet Pan

Ingredients

Salmon & Vegetables

• 2 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Citrus Garlic Glaze

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pat salmon dry and place skin-side down on a sheet pan.
5. Combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, chili paste, and cilantro.
6. Brush half of the glaze over the salmon.
7. Arrange Brussels sprouts around the salmon.
8. Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
9. Brush the remaining glaze over the salmon.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

❤️ Final Thoughts

There are nights when I want to eat something wholesome without feeling like I’m eating a boring “healthy dinner.”

This is the recipe I turn to for that.

The salmon is buttery and tender, the Brussels sprouts get those delicious roasted edges, and the lemon-garlic glaze gives everything a bright little spark.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight but pretty enough to serve when family or friends come over.

And perhaps my favorite part?

There’s only one sheet pan to clean afterward.

Good food, minimal effort, and a dinner that leaves everyone satisfied—that’s a combination I can happily make again and again.

If you’re looking for an easy keto dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, put this Keto Citrus Salmon with Brussels Sprouts on your list. You won’t regret it.