Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the delicate flavors of tilapia with the hearty texture of perfectly cooked couscous! This game-changing recipe transforms ordinary fish into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine a meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare - a true weeknight dinner hero that brings gourmet restaurant quality right to your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your tilapia and couscous cook evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. This will be used to cook the couscous.
- Once the broth is boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth.
- While the couscous is resting, prepare the tilapia fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large oven-safe baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom. This will prevent the fish from sticking and add flavor.
- Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. Lay the lemon slices evenly over the top of the fillets, which will infuse them with a bright, citrusy flavor as they bake.
- Once the couscous has absorbed the broth, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. You can add a little more olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor if desired.
- Spread the fluffed couscous evenly around and on top of the tilapia fillets in the baking dish. This will create a delicious base for the fish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking. This will help the tilapia cook through without drying out.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the tilapia fillets on a bed of couscous, garnished with the baked lemon slices for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Tilapia: Select fresh, high-quality tilapia fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm and have a clean, mild smell.
- Moisture is Key: Covering the baking dish with foil helps keep the fish tender and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
- Flavor Boosting Hack: Try adding herbs like fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to the couscous for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Magic: The baked lemon slices not only look beautiful but infuse the dish with a bright, citrusy essence. Don't discard them after cooking!
- Couscous Perfection: Let the couscous rest completely after adding hot broth to ensure it absorbs all the liquid and becomes fluffy.
- Seasoning Tip: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Season the tilapia generously to enhance its natural flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 206kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
