Tilapia with Lemon Zest Asparagus

This delightful recipe combines the delicate flavor of tilapia with a crunchy pecan and Parmesan crust, paired perfectly with tender asparagus and a hint of fresh lemon zest. It’s a delicious and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your taste buds. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

4 tilapia fillets

1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Pecan and Parmesan Crust:

In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Season the Tilapia:

Season both sides of each tilapia fillet with salt and pepper to taste. This will help enhance the flavor of the fish.

Coat the Tilapia with the Crust:

Brush each tilapia fillet with a thin layer of olive oil. Then, dip each fillet into the pecan and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to coat the fish evenly on both sides.

Arrange the Tilapia on the Baking Sheet:

Place the coated tilapia fillets onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Asparagus:

Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on the baking sheet around the tilapia fillets. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake in the Oven:

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the tilapia is cooked to perfection and the asparagus is tender, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve the pecan and Parmesan crusted tilapia alongside the lemon zest asparagus spears. Garnish with additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish and vegetables.

Optional: Serve with Sides:

Accompany your pecan and Parmesan crusted tilapia with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Bon Appétit!

Sit back, relax, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this delicious pecan and Parmesan crusted tilapia dish. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy your culinary adventure!