Description
This elegant dish features a perfectly pan-seared salmon fillet, generously coated in a vibrant blueberry glaze that offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes. It is served atop fluffy couscous, brightened with fresh lemon zest and aromatic herbs, creating a harmonious and flavorful meal. The tender salmon, bursting blueberries, and light couscous combine for a sophisticated and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
- For the Blueberry Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for simmering, removed before serving)
- For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Lemon Herb Couscous:
- 1 cup dry couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- **Prepare the Blueberry Glaze:** In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Add the rosemary sprig. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blueberries begin to soften and burst.
- Remove the rosemary sprig. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- **Cook the Salmon:** Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- During the last minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of the blueberry glaze over the salmon fillets, allowing it to warm through.
- **Prepare the Lemon Herb Couscous:** While the salmon cooks, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Remove from heat, stir in the dry couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chives (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- **Assemble and Serve:** Divide the lemon herb couscous among serving plates. Place a glazed salmon fillet on top of each bed of couscous. Drizzle with any remaining blueberry glaze from the pan. Garnish with fresh blueberries, a lemon wedge, and a fresh rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a thicker glaze, simmer longer or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Ensure salmon is patted dry before cooking for a better sear.
Do not overcook the couscous; it cooks quickly and can become mushy.
Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can be substituted for parsley and chives in the couscous.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 38g