Fish and Couscous Recipe for a Quick Healthy Dinner

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Fish and Couscous recipe, a perfect blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. This dish is a fantastic choice for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.

The light, flaky fish complements the fluffy, subtly nutty couscous, creating a harmonious plate that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and promises a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease of preparation. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of citrus brings out the best in simple ingredients, making every bite memorable.

Plus, couscous cooks quickly, meaning you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Let’s dive in and discover why this Fish and Couscous recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of fresh flavors and simplicity. The fish, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, is pan-seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor.

Couscous, a quick-cooking grain, acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up the juices and spices from the fish and accompanying vegetables.

Additionally, this dish is highly customizable. You can swap the type of fish depending on what’s fresh or available, and the couscous can be jazzed up with a variety of add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or roasted vegetables.

It’s a light, healthy meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Best of all, it’s a recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In under 30 minutes, you can have a vibrant and satisfying meal on your table, perfect for busy lifestyles without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or sea bass), about 6 ounces each
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Zester or grater
• Spatula or fish turner

Instructions

1. Prepare the couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover tightly, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done.
2. Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the fish fillets.
3. Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Cook the fish: Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Make the couscous salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Plate and serve: Spoon the couscous salad onto plates and place a fish fillet on top. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly cooked fish, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even searing and prevent steaming.

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Swap couscous for quinoa or bulgur to add a different texture or increase protein content.

For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, roasted red peppers, or crumbled feta cheese to the couscous salad.

If you prefer a saucier dish, try making a quick garlic yogurt sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Serve it alongside the fish for an extra burst of flavor.

To keep things light, choose white fish like cod or tilapia, but for a richer flavor, salmon or trout works wonderfully as well. Don’t forget to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Fish and Couscous dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few simple additions. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, pair with warm pita bread and a dollop of hummus. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the light and fresh flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

This Fish and Couscous recipe is a true gem for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and quick dinner option. Its combination of tender fish, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.

The recipe’s simplicity makes it accessible, while the customizable elements allow you to tailor it to your personal preferences.

Whether cooking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a wholesome meal, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite. Don’t hesitate to explore our other delicious and easy-to-make dishes like Lemon Herb Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Quinoa, and Spicy Shrimp Pasta for more inspiration in your kitchen!

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