Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tilapia fillets are tender and flaky with a golden, crispy crust, while the green beans remain crisp-tender and packed with nutrients. The lemon garlic sauce brings everything together with its citrusy tang, a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, and a rich depth from the chicken broth or white wine. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, and it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 4 Tilapia fillets (approx. 4–6 oz each): Fresh or frozen (thawed completely and patted dry)

• 1 lb Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Divided

• 4 cloves Garlic: Minced

• 1 large Lemon: Half juiced (about 2 tablespoons), half thinly sliced for garnish and cooking

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For cooking the fish and beans

• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

• Salt: To taste

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste

• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (or Dill): Chopped, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   If using frozen tilapia, ensure it’s fully thawed. Pat the tilapia fillets dry on all sides to get a good sear. Season with salt and pepper. Trim the ends off the green beans, mince the garlic, juice half of the lemon, and slice the other half for garnish. Chop the parsley or dill.

2. Cook the Green Beans:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer softer beans, add a bit of water and cover the pan to steam them. Remove the beans from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sear the Tilapia:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt, then carefully add the tilapia fillets. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the fish and set aside with the green beans.

4. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
   Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and lemon juice, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Finish the Dish:
   Return the tilapia and green beans to the skillet, nestling lemon slices around the fish. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish and beans. Cover or loosely tent with foil and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the fish is cooked through (145°F/63°C). Alternatively, you can finish cooking in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the tilapia and green beans.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

• Vegetable Swap: Use asparagus or zucchini instead of green beans for a different veggie flavor.

• Herb Variations: Swap parsley with dill or thyme for a different herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating the tilapia, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tilapia works great! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking, and pat it dry to ensure a good sear.

2. Can I substitute the green beans with other vegetables?

Yes, you can use other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

3. What type of skillet should I use for this recipe?

An oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, works best for even heat distribution. You can also use a non-stick skillet if you don’t have an oven-safe option.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the fish is best served immediately, you can prep the green beans and sauce in advance and store them separately. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to cook the fish.

5. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but they may have a softer texture compared to fresh ones. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

6. How can I make the lemon garlic sauce spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

7. What other types of fish work well with this recipe?

Cod, haddock, or flounder are excellent alternatives to tilapia for this recipe.

8. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil works well as a substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free version or want a lighter dish.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all the ingredients, like the chicken broth, are gluten-free.

10. How do I know when tilapia is cooked?

Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans is a flavorful, healthy, and simple meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. With its perfect combination of tender fish, crisp-tender vegetables, and vibrant lemon garlic sauce, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes. Enjoy it as is or customize with different vegetables and herbs for your own twist!