Baltimore Blackened Salmon with Herb Couscous
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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade) blackening spice mix
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup couscous
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Serve salmon atop couscous, garnished with additional lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
