Begin by thawing and patting the tilapia fillets dry to ensure a good sear. Next, trim the green beans and rinse them under cold water to refresh their crispness. Mince the garlic, juice one lemon, and slice it into rounds for garnish. Gather all your ingredients, including chicken broth or white wine, which enhances the sauce later.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the trimmed green beans and sauté them for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re vibrant green and crisp-tender. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm while you prepare the tilapia.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil along with a pat of butter, allowing it to melt over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tilapia fillets in the skillet, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Once done, remove the tilapia and set aside, keeping it warm.

Reduce the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the pan for added flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a brief simmer to let the flavors meld.

Gently return the seared tilapia to the skillet, nestling it alongside the sautéed green beans. Add the lemon slices on top and cover the skillet. Allow the dish to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the fish is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring it turns opaque and flakes easily.

Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve the Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans immediately, drizzling any extra sauce over the dish for added zest. Enjoy this nourishing, flavorful meal that comes together beautifully!