June 28, 2026 · 5 min

Chimichurri Barramundi with Lemony Carrots and Garlic Couscous

Side Dish5 min597 cal / serving

This chimichurri barramundi recipe brings together bright, tangy flavors with tender fish and hearty sides. The homemade chimichurri, made with cilantro, garlic, lemon, cumin and chili flakes, adds a punchy kick that perfectly complements the buttery barramundi fillets.

On the side, you’ll enjoy garlic butter couscous and lemony roasted carrots. The carrots are roasted until golden and tossed with fresh lemon zest, while the couscous is cooked with garlic and veggie stock for extra flavor. It’s a balanced, satisfying meal that comes together quickly.


Recipe details

Side Dish5 min597 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories597 kcalProtein9.7 gFat32.5 gCarbs65.3 gSugar19.4 gFiber7.4 gSodium4830 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: containsShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Carrots12 ounce CarrotsView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Garlic2 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Cumin1 teaspoon CuminView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Israeli Couscous2.5 ounce Israeli CouscousView ingredient guide
Barramundi10 ounce BarramundiView ingredient guide
Olive Oil2 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide
SaltSalt, to tasteView ingredient guide
PepperPepper, to tasteView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil2 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Trim, peel and cut carrots into ½-inch thick diagonal slices. Finely chop cilantro. Zest and quarter the lemon. Peel and mince the garlic.
  2. Toss carrots on the prepared baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until golden and tender, 20-25 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri: In a small bowl, combine cilantro, half the cumin, half the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste.
  4. In a small pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant and couscous is lightly toasted, 1-2 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup water and the veggie stock concentrate. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until couscous is al dente, 6-8 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  5. Pat barramundi dry with paper towels. Season with remaining cumin, salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add fish and cook until opaque and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side.
  6. Fluff couscous with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Toss roasted carrots with remaining lemon zest. Divide couscous, carrots and barramundi among plates. Spoon chimichurri over the fish and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, toast the couscous until golden before adding liquid.

If you prefer a milder chimichurri, reduce the chili flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.

Barramundi is done when it flakes easily with a fork; avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

FAQ

Can I use a different fish instead of barramundi?

Yes, you can substitute barramundi with other firm white fish like cod, halibut or sea bass. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chimichurri can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of Israeli couscous?

Regular couscous, quinoa or orzo would work well. Adjust cooking time and liquid according to package instructions.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.