Fast-cooking salmon, asparagus, and couscous help make this meal come together quickly. Vegetarian: sub tofu for salmon. Paleo: sub cauliflower rice for couscous.
Season salmon - (If prepping right before cooking, get oven heating first.) Mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush salmon with oil (portion for salmon), and then sprinkle on seasoning mix.
Heat oven to 425F / 218C degrees. Both the salmon and asparagus will be baking at the same time so adjust racks accordingly.
Combine stock, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in couscous and cover with lid. Let stand for ~5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Bake salmon on a sheet pan for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness of salmon and your desired doneness.
Toss asparagus with oil and spread out on a second sheet pan. Sprinkle with lemon zest (if using), pine nuts (if using), and some salt and pepper. Bake asparagus for 6 to 8 minutes.
Squeeze lemon over fish and asparagus. Serve with couscous.