Salmon and Couscous Delight

This delightful recipe combines the richness of salmon with the aromatic flavors of couscous, creating a sophisticated yet simple dish. Tender salmon fillets are infused with zesty lime juice and seasoned to perfection with lemon pepper and salt. The couscous is enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, adding a touch of sweetness and depth. Fresh scallions finish off this dish, offering a burst of color and delicate onion flavor. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner or an elegant lunch and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, it's an excellent choice for a quick but impressive meal. Cooking the salmon in parchment paper allows it to steam gently, retaining moisture and flavor. This method also makes for an attractive presentation when serving. Enjoy the harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that make this dish a standout.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pieces salmon fillet (each 200 g)
• 110 g couscous
• 200 ml vegetable broth

Spices and Sauces:

• 2 tsp lime juice
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped into small pieces
• Scallions for garnishing, chopped
• Lemon pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Couscous: Place the couscous in a bowl. Pour the boiling vegetable broth over it and stir to combine. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Fluff the Couscous: After 10 minutes, remove the plastic wrap. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (392°F) to preheat.
4. Prepare Baking Parchment: Lay out two sheets of baking parchment or aluminum foil. Divide the couscous into two portions and place in the center of each sheet.
5. Place the Salmon: Position one salmon fillet on top of each couscous mound.
6. Season the Salmon: Drizzle lime juice over the salmon fillets. Sprinkle lemon pepper and a pinch of salt over each.
7. Fold into Packets: To create packets, gather the long edges of the parchment and roll them together tightly above the salmon and couscous. Fold in the sides to seal the packet well.
8. Bake the Packets: Place the packets on a baking tray and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve: Carefully open the packets, being cautious of steam, and sprinkle chopped scallions over the top. Serve directly on plates with the parchment open.
10. Extra Garnishing: For added flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use quinoa or bulgur as a substitute for couscous if desired.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs to the couscous for extra flavor.
• Presentation: Serve the dish directly in the parchment for an attractive presentation or plate it by placing the salmon and couscous on a serving dish.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 38g
• Fats: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 55g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace salmon with tofu or a variety of grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free couscous or substitute with rice.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes to the fish before baking for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
• Pair with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
• For a Mediterranean feel, offer a side of hummus and pita bread.

Best Places

1. Le Bernardin - Renowned for seafood dishes with a French twist. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
2. Nobu - Famous for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Location: 105 Hudson St, New York, USA.
3. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant - An underwater dining experience serving seafood delicacies. Location: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives.
4. The Ledbury - Fine dining with a focus on contemporary European cuisine. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
5. Osteria Francescana - Italian gourmet with exquisite attention to detail. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
6. Gaggan - Renowned for its innovative Indian cuisine. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
7. El Celler de Can Roca - Elegant Spanish dining experience. Location: Can Sunyer Street, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain.
8. D.O.M. - Celebrated for its Brazilian and Amazonian influences. Location: Rua Barão de Capanema, 549, São Paulo, Brazil.
9. Eleven Madison Park - Known for its modern American cuisine. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
10. Arpège - Acclaimed for its artful vegetable dishes. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.