This Dukkah-Spiced Salmon with Lemony Couscous recipe brings together the rich flavors of dukkah, a traditional Egyptian spice and nut blend, with the lightness of lemony couscous. The salmon is seasoned and cooked to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and tender inside, while the couscous provides a zesty and refreshing side. It’s a healthy, flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
For the Dukkah-Spiced Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on
- 2 tablespoons dukkah spice blend
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemony Couscous:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional:
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the couscous with a pinch of salt. Pour the boiling water over the couscous, cover with a plate or lid, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and generously coat the flesh side with the dukkah spice blend.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
- Carefully flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Spoon the lemony couscous onto plates, top with the dukkah-spiced salmon fillets, skin-side up. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Dukkah is a blend of nuts (typically hazelnuts or almonds), seeds (like sesame, coriander, and cumin), and spices. It’s available in specialty stores or can be made at home.
- For an added touch, consider incorporating diced vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes into the couscous for extra color and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon; it should be slightly translucent in the center when done.
Nutrition Facts (approximation per serving):
- Calories: 560
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 42g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4
This Dukkah-Spiced Salmon with Lemony Couscous is a delightful meal that combines savory, spicy, and citrusy flavors for a truly satisfying dining experience. It’s a great way to enjoy salmon in a new and exciting way, with the freshness of lemony couscous complementing the richness of the spiced fish.
