Lemon Garlic Tilapia Green Beans (Print Version)

Flaky tilapia and crisp green beans bathed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, creating a perfect light and flavorful summer dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 Tilapia fillets (4-6 oz each), fresh or thawed and patted dry
02 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (substitute olive oil for dairy-free)
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 large lemon, half juiced (approx. 2 tablespoons), half thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, water can be used)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Thaw tilapia if frozen and pat dry. Season fillets with salt and pepper. Wash and trim green beans. Mince garlic, juice half of the lemon, slice the other half, and chop parsley or dill.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add green beans and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Optionally, steam with a splash of water. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30-60 seconds. Add broth or wine (if using) and lemon juice, scraping browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Return tilapia and green beans to skillet. Nestle lemon slices around fillets and spoon sauce over. Simmer gently, covered or tented with foil, for 3-5 minutes until fish reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily.
06 - Garnish with chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately, spooning additional sauce over the dish.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Ensure tilapia is fully thawed and dry before searing to achieve the best crust.
02 - Use fresh lemon juice for maximum flavor, and adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance.