Tilapia with Steamed Green Beans and Couscous

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillet 5 oz
• Green beans 1 cup
• Whole wheat couscous 1/2 cup cooked
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tsp

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Rinse the tilapia fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the green beans by snapping or cutting off the ends. Measure out the cooked whole wheat couscous and set aside. Have the lemon juice and olive oil ready.
   Tip: Drying the fish well helps it cook better and prevents sticking.
2. Steam the Green Beans. Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket over the boiling water, add the green beans, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking to keep the beans crisp and nutrient-rich.
3. Cook the Tilapia. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place the tilapia fillet in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish while it cooks for fresh flavor.
   Tip: Do not move the fish too soon; letting it sear properly helps it release from the pan easily.
4. Warm the Couscous. If the couscous is not freshly cooked, warm it gently in a microwave or in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
   Tip: Add a splash of water if the couscous feels dry when reheating.
5. Plate and Serve. Arrange the cooked tilapia fillet on a plate alongside the steamed green beans and the warm whole wheat couscous. Optionally, drizzle a little more lemon juice or olive oil over the vegetables for extra flavor.
   Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if available for added color and aroma.

Pro tips

• Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan to prevent the fish from sticking.
• To speed up steaming, cover the pot tightly and keep the lid on during cooking.