Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous (preferably Israeli or pearl couscous for a chewier texture)
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking couscous)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 4 mahi-mahi fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional for crunch)
Substitutions: If you can’t find mahi-mahi, swordfish or halibut are excellent stand-ins. For a vegetarian twist, swap the fish for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas. If you’re short on fresh herbs, dried can work—just use about one-third the amount.
Instructions
- Pour the broth into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, stir in the couscous, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and remove from heat. Let it steam for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
- While the couscous is steaming, prepare the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well and set aside.
- In another small pan, toast the pine nuts or slivered almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be careful—they can burn quickly! Set aside.
- Season the mahi-mahi fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fillets and rub gently to coat evenly.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the fish fillets. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them—this helps develop a beautiful crust.
- Flip the fillets carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness.
- Toss the fluffed couscous with the herb-lemon mixture, making sure every grain is coated with that bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top for extra texture.
- Plate the herbed couscous, then nestle the seared mahi-mahi fillets on top or beside the couscous. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if you like.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of flavors!
“Cooking became my way to slow down, connect, and show love”—and this dish truly embodies that. Even on the busiest days, it’s a reminder that nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International