Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous

Introduction

Looking for a delightful and healthy seafood dish that's bursting with flavors? Look no further! In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a succulent Baked Lemon Herb Halibut paired with Mediterranean Couscous. With a harmonious blend of zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, this dish is a culinary masterpiece that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Let's dive into the details and bring this exquisite dish to life!

1. Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• For the Baked Lemon Herb Halibut:
• 4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Mediterranean Couscous:
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

2. Preparing the Baked Lemon Herb Halibut

Follow these simple steps to prepare the flavorful Baked Lemon Herb Halibut:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
• Step 3: Place the halibut fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper.
• Step 4: Brush the halibut fillets with the herb and lemon mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
• Step 5: Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

3. Making the Mediterranean Couscous

Now, let's prepare the delightful Mediterranean Couscous to complement the halibut:

• Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth.
• Step 2: Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
• Step 3: Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion to the couscous.
• Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Step 5: Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetables, tossing everything together until well combined.

4. Plating the Dish

Now comes the exciting part - plating your Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous:

• Step 1: Arrange a generous portion of the Mediterranean Couscous on each plate.
• Step 2: Place a beautifully baked halibut fillet on top of the couscous.
• Step 3: Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for an extra touch of elegance.

5. Serving and Enjoyment

Your delightful Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous is now ready to be savored! Serve it fresh and hot for the best dining experience. The succulent halibut infused with lemon and herbs perfectly complements the light and refreshing Mediterranean Couscous. Every bite will take your taste buds on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean.

Conclusion

With this Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous recipe, you have the perfect dish for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures will leave a lasting impression on your palate. So, gather your ingredients and let your culinary skills shine as you create this delectable seafood masterpiece.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can! While halibut offers a firm and delicate texture, you can also try this recipe with other white fish varieties like cod, tilapia, or sea bass.

2. Is couscous gluten-free?

Traditional couscous is made from wheat and contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free couscous made from alternative grains like corn or rice.

3. Can I prepare the halibut and couscous ahead of time?

It's best to enjoy the dish fresh when the halibut is tender and the flavors are vibrant. However, you can prepare the couscous ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the halibut just before serving.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the couscous?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite Mediterranean vegetables like artichokes, olives, or zucchini to the couscous for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I grill the halibut instead of baking it?

Yes, grilling the halibut is another delicious option. Brush the fish with the herb and lemon mixture and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.