Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty twist on classic salmon, blackened with bold spices and served over light, herb-infused couscous for a refreshing meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, lemon zest, couscous for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Season salmon fillets with 1 tbsp blackening spice mix, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until flaky and golden.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in parsley, dill, 1 tbsp olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Serve salmon atop couscous, garnished with additional lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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