Baked Harissa Salmon with Couscous Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Baked Harissa Salmon with Couscous is a healthy, flavorful dinner made with tender oven-baked salmon coated in smoky harissa and served over fluffy couscous infused with herbs and citrus. It’s a quick, nutritious Mediterranean–Middle Eastern–inspired meal that feels elegant yet easy enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients
    For the Harissa Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste (check label)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
    • For the Couscous
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup hot vegetable stock or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
    • For Finishing & Garnish
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
    Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray
  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
    2. Make the Harissa Marinade
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, mix the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
    3. Coat the Salmon
  3. 3
    Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking tray. Using a spoon or brush, generously coat the top of each fillet with the harissa marinade. Let the salmon rest for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
    4. Bake the Salmon
  4. 4
    Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and remains moist inside. Avoid overbaking to keep the fish tender.
    5. Prepare the Couscous
  5. 5
    While the salmon bakes, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Add salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Pour over the hot vegetable stock or water. Cover tightly and let it steam for 5 minutes.
    6. Fluff and Season the Couscous
  6. 6
    After steaming, use a fork to fluff the couscous gently, separating the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in chopped parsley or coriander for freshness.
    7. Rest and Assemble
  7. 7
    Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve the harissa salmon over a bed of couscous, garnished with sesame seeds or almonds and lemon wedges on the side.
Note

Harissa Heat Level: Harissa paste varies in spice intensity. If sensitive to heat, reduce the amount or mix it with extra olive oil.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep salmon and couscous stored separately to maintain texture.

Variations:

  • Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
  • Replace couscous with quinoa or bulgur for a grain variation.
Keywords: healthy dinner, easy baked salmon, harissa salmon, quick meal, Mediterranean-inspired
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/baked-harissa-salmon-with-couscous-recipe/