Imagine a dish that combines the rich, buttery texture of perfectly cooked salmon with a golden, nutty sesame crust, all nestled on a bed of citrusy, aromatic couscous. This isn't just another salmon recipe - it's a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds from your kitchen to a high-end restaurant in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Sesame Crusted Salmon with Orange Scented Couscous is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and achieves a nice crust.
- Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the sesame seeds adhere better.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous, as this will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Press the top side of each salmon fillet into the sesame seeds, ensuring they are well-coated.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, sesame side down.
- Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on the sesame side until it is golden brown. Do not move the fillets around while they are cooking to allow for a proper crust to form.
- Once the sesame side is golden, carefully flip the salmon fillets over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the orange-scented couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.
- Once the broth is boiling, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous, the zest of the orange, and the juice of half the orange. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
- After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. You can also mix in a bit of olive oil for added richness.
- Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of the orange-scented couscous on each plate and top with a sesame-crusted salmon fillet. Garnish with the remaining orange juice or zest if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Sesame Crusted Salmon with Orange Scented Couscous!
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure the sesame seeds stick perfectly and create a crispy crust.
- Use a high-quality, fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets with a vibrant, uniform color.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing - this ensures each fillet gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check salmon doneness: 145°F (63°C) is the perfect internal temperature.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before coating the salmon.
- If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth or even water in the couscous preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 597kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 35g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
