Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia with Green Beans

• 2 tilapia fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2 Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
3. 3 Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear fillets, skin-side down, for 2 minutes.
4. 4 Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. 5 Meanwhile, steam green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
6. 6 In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. 7 Stir in lemon juice and zest. Pour sauce over the tilapia.
8. 8 Serve tilapia with green beans drizzled with remaining garlic butter.

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Steamer basket or pot with insert

Variations

• Substitute cod or snapper for tilapia.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tropical twist.

Substitutions

• Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
• Substitute almond butter for butter to make it nuttier and dairy-free.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky butter sauce.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the tilapia in lemon juice and zest for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Check the fish for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork; it should be opaque throughout.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Freezing: This dish does not freeze well due to the fish texture changes upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of wild rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

FAQ