Baked Harissa Salmon with Lemon-Herb Couscous

Name: Baked Harissa Salmon with Lemon-Herb Couscous
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 5 salmon fillets (skin on or off); 2 tablespoon harissa paste; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh); 0.5 teaspoon salt (divided); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cup couscous (uncooked); 1.5 cup water (boiling); 1 lemon (large, zested and juiced); 0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)

Flaky salmon fillets baked with a spicy harissa marinade, served alongside light and refreshing couscous mixed with fresh lemon and herbs.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 45 min
Servings: 5
Cuisine: Tunisian
Difficulty: Easy

Dietary

Egg-Free
Dairy-Free
Nut-Free
Soy-Free
Pescatarian
High-Protein
Low-Sugar

Ingredients

5 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
2 tablespoon harissa paste
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
0.5 teaspoon salt (divided)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 cup couscous (uncooked)
1.5 cup water (boiling)
1 lemon (large, zested and juiced)
0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
Pat salmon fillets dry. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the harissa mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness.
While salmon bakes, prepare the couscous: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups uncooked couscous with 1 1/2 cups boiling water and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir briefly, then cover the bowl with a plate or lid and let sit for 5 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
Uncover the couscous and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint.
Serve the baked harissa salmon immediately with the lemon-herb couscous on the side.

Notes

For easy cleanup, ensure the baking sheet is well-lined with parchment paper. Leftover salmon is best enjoyed cold on salads, but fresh is ideal.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 650
Protein: 46.5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fat: 25.5 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sugar: 3 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg