Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans is a light and healthy dish that features flaky tilapia fillets seasoned with zesty lemon and garlic, served alongside vibrant green beans. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner while still being elegant enough for special occasions!

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Blanch the Green Beans: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Tilapia

1. Season the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Brush this mixture over the tilapia fillets.

Step 3: Cook the Tilapia

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Fish: Add the seasoned tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans

1. Sauté Green Beans: In the same skillet, add the blanched green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the lemon garlic tilapia alongside the sautéed green beans. Drizzle any remaining lemon garlic sauce from the skillet over the fish.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	28g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	10g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Different Fish: Substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod or haddock for varied flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans is a flavorful and nutritious dish that showcases the bright flavors of lemon and garlic. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week and is sure to delight your family and friends!