June 30, 2026 · 5 min

Cilantro Chimichurri Barramundi with Lemon Roasted Carrots and Garlic Couscous

Side Dish5 min597 cal / serving

This vibrant dish brings together tender barramundi fillets with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. The sauce-made with cilantro, garlic, lemon, cumin and chili flakes-adds a punchy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the mild, buttery fish.

On the side, we’re serving fluffy garlic butter couscous and roasted carrots tossed with fresh lemon zest. Every bite is a harmony of fresh, bold flavors that will make this a new weeknight favorite.


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
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil2 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim, peel and cut carrots on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Finely chop cilantro. Zest and quarter lemon. Peel and mince or grate garlic.
  2. Toss carrots on a foil-lined baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until golden brown and softened, 20-25 minutes.
  3. While carrots roast, in a small bowl, combine cilantro, half the cumin (you’ll use the rest later), half the lemon zest, 2 TBSP olive oil (4 TBSP for 4 servings), a big squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of garlic to taste. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set chimichurri aside.
  4. Heat 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add couscous and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant and couscous is lightly toasted, 1-2 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4) and stock concentrate. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until al dente, 6-8 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  5. While couscous cooks, pat barramundi dry with paper towels. Season all over with remaining cumin, salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add barramundi and cook until opaque and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. (Barramundi is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 145°F.) Turn off heat.
  6. Fluff couscous with a fork; season with salt and pepper. Toss carrots with remaining lemon zest. Divide couscous, carrots and barramundi between plates. Top barramundi with chimichurri. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

For even roasting, cut carrots into uniform ½-inch pieces.

Toast the couscous until lightly golden for extra nutty flavor.

Pat barramundi very dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.

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 made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of Israeli couscous?

You can use regular couscous, quinoa or orzo. Cooking times may vary, so follow 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.