Description
Maple glazed baked salmon served with toasted pearl couscous finished in nutty garlic brown butter. A balanced sweet smoky seafood dinner perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
2 pounds salmon fillets
1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup uncooked pearl couscous
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
Pinch of salt
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet.
2. Mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cumin in a small bowl.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
4. Drizzle maple syrup over the salmon and gently spread it across the surface with a spoon.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Optionally drizzle additional maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped chives before serving.
7. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add pearl couscous.
8. Cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
9. Pour in the vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
10. In a small pan melt the remaining butter and cook until golden brown with nutty aroma.
11. Stir minced garlic into the browned butter.
12. Drizzle the garlic brown butter over the cooked couscous and toss gently before serving alongside the salmon.
Notes
For deeper maple flavor drizzle extra maple syrup after baking.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer couscous flavor.
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American