Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Herb Couscous

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's bursting with flavor and freshness! Our Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Herb Couscous is a mouthwatering masterpiece that will elevate your dinner game to a whole new level. Picture perfectly grilled salmon, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, paired with fluffy couscous kissed with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. It's a culinary symphony of savory goodness that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. So grab your forks and get ready to indulge in a delicious dining experience that's as delightful as it is delectable!

Heart-Healthy Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. Incorporating salmon into your diet can help lower the risk of heart disease and promote overall cardiovascular health.

Versatile Couscous: Couscous is a versatile and quick-cooking grain that absorbs flavors beautifully. It's not only delicious but also a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, you can easily customize couscous with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for couscous if I don't have any on hand?
- If you don't have couscous, you can substitute with quinoa, rice, or even pasta. Adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley or scallions for garnish?
- Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh parsley or scallions will provide the best flavor and presentation.
How long does it take to grill the salmon fillets?
- Typically, salmon fillets grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.
Can I use lime instead of lemon for the couscous?
- Yes, you can substitute lime for lemon if you prefer. It will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to toast the couscous before cooking?
- Toasting the couscous adds a nutty flavor to the dish and helps prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking. It's recommended but not mandatory.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the garlic butter sauce?
- Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the additional salt content. Adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.
What temperature should the grill pan be preheated to?
- Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure proper searing and grill marks on the salmon fillets.
Can I prepare the couscous ahead of time and reheat it later?
- Yes, you can prepare the couscous ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Add a splash of broth or water to moisten if needed.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
- The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.

Make it

Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Herb Couscous

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

2 salmon fillets (8 oz each)

6 cloves of garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 lemon (plus extra slices for grilling)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Couscous:

2 cups couscous

2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or scallions (green onions) for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Salmon:

Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Place the seasoned salmon fillets onto the preheated grill pan skin side down.

Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with the garlic butter mixture.

Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness and nice grill marks form.

While grilling, add a slice of lemon on top of each salmon fillet.

Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill pan and transfer to a serving plate.

Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the grilled salmon fillets.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with additional lemon slices on the side.

Prepare the Lemon-Herb Couscous:

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the couscous and toast, stirring frequently, until about half of the grains are golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the vegetable or chicken broth and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from heat and let stand, covered, for 3 minutes.

Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

Drizzle the lemon juice over the fluffed couscous and gently toss to combine.

Transfer the couscous to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley leaves or thinly sliced scallions.

Enjoy your flavorful and juicy garlic butter salmon paired with zesty lemon-herb couscous!