Baked Tilapia with Quinoa and Roasted Zucchini

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillet 6 oz
• Quinoa 1.5 cups cooked
• Zucchini 1 cup roasted
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Lemon zest 1 tsp

Method

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the tilapia and roasting the zucchini evenly.
   Tip: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the food inside for best results.
2. Prepare the zucchini. Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut it into evenly sized slices or half-moons to ensure even roasting. Toss the zucchini with half of the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper if desired.
   Tip: Cutting zucchini into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and roast nicely.
3. Roast the zucchini. Spread the zucchini pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
   Tip: Use a spatula to gently flip the zucchini halfway through roasting for even color and texture.
4. Prepare the tilapia. While the zucchini is roasting, pat the tilapia fillet dry with paper towels. Place it on a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish and sprinkle the lemon zest evenly on top.
   Tip: Patting the fish dry helps the olive oil and lemon zest stick better and promotes even cooking.
5. Bake the tilapia. Place the tilapia in the oven once the zucchini has been roasting for about 5 minutes. Bake the fish for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
   Tip: Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; it should flake gently when done.
6. Warm the quinoa. If your quinoa is already cooked and cooled, warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
   Tip: Cover the quinoa while warming to retain moisture and fluff it with a fork afterward.
7. Plate and serve. Arrange the cooked quinoa on a plate, place the baked tilapia on top or beside it, and add the roasted zucchini. Optionally, garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs.
   Tip: Serving immediately ensures the best texture and flavor.

Pro tips

• Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright and citrusy flavor on the tilapia.
• To save time, cook the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge.