Can I use a different fish in Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad?

Yes, sardine fillets, trout or salmon work well in place of mackerel. Oily fish suit the lemony couscous best; allow a little extra air-fryer time for thicker fillets.

How do I stop mackerel sticking to the air fryer basket?

Pat the fillets dry, rub them with oil and spices, and lay them skin side down on a lightly oiled basket or perforated baking paper. Leave them alone until they release easily.

How is pearl couscous different from regular couscous?

Pearl couscous has larger, chewier balls that are simmered like pasta until tender, while fine couscous is simply soaked. The pearls give this warm salad much more bite.

Can I eat the mackerel and couscous salad cold the next day?

Yes, the pearl couscous salad holds up well in the fridge for a day or two. Keep the mackerel separate and eat it within a day, or flake it cold through the salad.

Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel With Warm Pearl Couscous Salad Recipe

Name: Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: English
Ingredients: 180G Sound Seafood Mackerel Fillets; 140G Greenfields Mixed Herbs, 140G; 500 g Suma Pearl Couscous 500G; - Biona Capers in Olive Oil; - Badshah Thandai Mix Masala; 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G; 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g; 100 g Yorkshire English Carrots 100G; 1 Piece Cucumber 1Pc; - Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley; 250 Ml Trs Lemon Juice 250Ml; 50G Black Garlic Cloves, 50G

English cuisine · 435 calories

Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad recipe

About this recipe

Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad is a delightful English-inspired lunch that combines the richness of mackerel fillets with the light tangy flavors of lemon juice and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and nutritious midday meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with protein to fuel your day. The pearl couscous adds a satisfying texture and pairs excellently with the tender, air-fried mackerel. Seasoned with Moroccan spices, the fish boasts a slightly smoky and spiced profile that complements the refreshing crunch of carrots and cucumber in the salad. With vibrant colors and balanced flavors, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you're meal prepping for a busy week or enjoying a cozy lunch at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients

180G Sound Seafood Mackerel Fillets
140G Greenfields Mixed Herbs, 140G
500 g Suma Pearl Couscous 500G
- Biona Capers In Olive Oil
- Badshah Thandai Mix Masala
400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
100 g Yorkshire English Carrots 100G
1 Piece Cucumber 1Pc
- Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley
250 Ml Trs Lemon Juice 250Ml
50G Black Garlic Cloves, 50G

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes while preparing the ingredients.
2. Rub the mackerel fillets with olive oil, Moroccan spice mix, salt, and pepper to season thoroughly.
3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and grill for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. In a small pot, bring water to a boil and add the pearl couscous with a pinch of salt.
5. Cook the couscous over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until tender, then drain any excess water.
6. Meanwhile, peel and grate the carrots, and slice the cucumber thinly for the salad base.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, grated carrots, cucumber slices, and chopped parsley.
8. Add lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the salad, tossing gently to combine.
9. Arrange the warm couscous salad on a serving plate, making a bed for the grilled mackerel.
10. Carefully place the grilled mackerel fillets on top of the salad and garnish with a sprig of parsley.
11. Serve immediately while the mackerel is warm and enjoy a balanced, nutritious lunch.

How to make Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel With Warm Pearl Couscous Salad

Season the mackerel. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes while you prepare the ingredients. Rub the mackerel fillets thoroughly with olive oil, Moroccan spice mix, salt and pepper.
Air fry the fish. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Cook the couscous. Bring a small pot of water to the boil, add the pearl couscous with a pinch of salt and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.
Make the salad. Peel and grate the carrots and slice the cucumber thinly. Combine with the couscous and chopped parsley, then toss with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
Plate and serve. Spread the warm couscous salad on a serving plate and lay the mackerel fillets on top. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and serve immediately while the fish is warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad take to make?: About 35 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Can I use a different fish in Zesty Herb Grilled Mackerel with Warm Pearl Couscous Salad?: Yes, sardine fillets, trout or salmon work well in place of mackerel. Oily fish suit the lemony couscous best; allow a little extra air-fryer time for thicker fillets.
How do I stop mackerel sticking to the air fryer basket?: Pat the fillets dry, rub them with oil and spices, and lay them skin side down on a lightly oiled basket or perforated baking paper. Leave them alone until they release easily.
How is pearl couscous different from regular couscous?: Pearl couscous has larger, chewier balls that are simmered like pasta until tender, while fine couscous is simply soaked. The pearls give this warm salad much more bite.
Can I eat the mackerel and couscous salad cold the next day?: Yes, the pearl couscous salad holds up well in the fridge for a day or two. Keep the mackerel separate and eat it within a day, or flake it cold through the salad.