Grilled Tilapia with Green Bean and Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 35 minutes start to finish. Tilapia is such a lean, affordable fish that makes you feel like you're eating something fancy without the fuss. The green beans are packed with vitamins and fiber, so you're getting a truly nutritious meal on the table. What really makes this dish shine is the buttery lemon sauce with garlic and fresh thyme, which transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant worthy. Best of all, everything cooks in one meal, so cleanup is minimal. Trust me, once you try this, it'll become a regular rotation in your dinner plans.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 4tilapia fillets(about 6 oz each)
- 1½ poundsfresh green beans(trimmed)
- 4 tablespoonsbutter
- 2fresh lemon(juiced and zested)
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1 teaspoonkosher salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 1 tablespoonfresh thyme(chopped)
- 59 mlwhite wine
- 1shallot(finely minced)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the fresh thyme. Set aside.
Tip: Drying the fish ensures better browning and prevents sticking to the grill grates.
- 2
Toss green beans in a bowl with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, remaining thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a piece of foil or a grill-safe vegetable basket.
Tip: Using foil or a basket prevents beans from falling through the grill grates.
- 3
Place green bean bundle on the cooler side of the grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred. Transfer to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
- 4
Once green beans are nearly done, place tilapia fillets skin-side up on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until grill marks appear.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip too early; let the fish develop a crust for better flavor.
- 5
Carefully flip fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. Transfer to the platter with green beans.
Tip: The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- 6
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the minced shallot for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add white wine and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
Tip: The wine adds acidity and depth to balance the richness of the butter.
- 7
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tip: Add the lemon after removing from heat to preserve its bright fresh flavor.
- 8
Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the grilled tilapia and green beans. Serve immediately while everything is hot and enjoy.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
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