Spiced Gin-Infused Salmon with Herb Couscous
A zesty twist on classic salmon, marinated in gin and citrus, served over fluffy herb couscous for a light yet flavorful meal. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, gin, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup gin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped dill
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 tbsp, chopped chives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine gin, lemon juice, dill, chives, garlic, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add salmon fillets and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes until flaky and golden.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, fluff couscous with 1/4 cup boiling water. Stir in remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Serve salmon atop couscous, garnished with additional dill and a squeeze of lemon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Gin-Infused Salmon with Herb Couscous take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Gin-Infused 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 Spiced Gin-Infused 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 Spiced Gin-Infused Salmon with Herb Couscous for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Gin-Infused Salmon with Herb Couscous?
French 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this spiced are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
