Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia with Couscous and Steamed Green Beans

Ingredients

• tilapia fillet 7 oz
• whole wheat couscous cooked 1.5 cups
• green beans steamed 1 cup
• lemon juice 1 tbsp
• olive oil 1 tsp
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• dried herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or dill) 1/2 tsp

Method

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tilapia. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the tilapia fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
   Tip: Patting the fish dry helps it bake evenly and prevents sogginess.
2. Season the Tilapia. Drizzle the tilapia with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and your choice of dried herbs evenly over the fillet. Rub gently to coat the fish with the seasoning.
   Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, natural flavor.
3. Bake the Tilapia. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender.
4. Prepare Couscous. While the tilapia bakes, heat the cooked whole wheat couscous in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until warm. If desired, add a small splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and fluff with a fork.
   Tip: Fluffing couscous helps separate the grains for a better texture.
5. Steam Green Beans. Steam the green beans until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can use a steamer basket over boiling water or microwave them covered with a little water.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking green beans to retain their bright color and crunch.
6. Plate and Serve. Arrange the baked tilapia on a plate alongside the warm whole wheat couscous and steamed green beans. Optionally, garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
   Tip: Serving immediately ensures the best taste and texture.

Pro tips

• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• If you prefer, marinate the tilapia in lemon juice and herbs for 10 minutes before baking for extra flavor.