Crispy Za'atar Fish With Israeli Couscous, Swiss Chard, and Feta

A Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring crispy fish fillets seasoned with za'atar, served over pearl couscous with Swiss chard, pomegranate seeds, olives, and feta cheese. The combination creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from crispy fish skin to tender greens and chewy couscous.

4 servings
37 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Israeli or pearl couscous
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 piece arctic char or striped bass fillets
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 teaspoons zaatar seasoning
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • ½ cup crumbled feta
  • ½ piece lemon

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a small saucepan, cook couscous according to package directions, seasoning it with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Once cooked, drain the couscous and transfer to a medium bowl.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    While the couscous is cooking, drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over both sides of fish fillets and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Rub each side of each fillet with 1 teaspoon za'atar.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, and add 1 tablespoon oil. Once the oil is hot, add fish to skillet, skin-side down, and sear until skin is golden brown and crispy, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip fish and cook until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer fish to a rimmed baking sheet or plate.

    8 min

  4. 4.

    Add chard stems and wine to pan; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in chard leaves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to skillet. Cover and cook until chard leaves are wilted, 2 to 3 minutes more.

    4 min

  5. 5.

    Add chard mixture to bowl with couscous. Fold in pomegranate seeds, olives, feta, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Squeeze lemon half over the mixture and toss to combine; taste and adjust seasoning.

    3 min

  6. 6.

    Divide couscous mixture among four plates and top with fish fillets, skin-side up.

    2 min