Baked Tilapia with Couscous and Steamed Broccoli

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillet 6 oz
• Whole wheat couscous 1 cup
• Broccoli 1 cup
• Olive oil 1 tsp
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp

Method

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the fish and other ingredients.
   Tip: Preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly and quickly.
2. Prepare the tilapia fillet. Pat the tilapia fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
   Tip: Drying the fish helps it bake better and prevents sogginess.
3. Season the fish. Drizzle half the olive oil (about 1/2 tsp) over the tilapia, then sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper evenly. You can also add a little garlic powder or paprika if you like mild seasoning.
   Tip: Even seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
4. Bake the tilapia. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
   Tip: Check doneness by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet.
5. Cook the couscous. While the fish is baking, prepare the whole wheat couscous if not already cooked. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add 1/2 cup dry whole wheat couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
   Tip: Fluffing with a fork prevents the couscous from clumping.
6. Steam the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp.
   Tip: Do not overcook broccoli to retain nutrients and texture.
7. Combine olive oil and lemon juice. Mix the remaining 1/2 tsp olive oil with the 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl. This will be drizzled over the cooked fish and vegetables for added flavor.
   Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
8. Plate and serve. Place the cooked couscous on a plate, add the steamed broccoli on the side, and top with the baked tilapia fillet. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice mixture evenly over the fish and vegetables. Serve immediately.
   Tip: Serve while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Pro tips

• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• If you want extra flavor, marinate the tilapia in lemon juice and olive oil for 10 minutes before baking.