Lemon-Lime Mint Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice and Yogurt Sauce

I keep telling myself that I am going to post more recipes but I never do. The last recipe I posted was in February, and before that, it was November!

There are a number of reasons for this, but I think my main problem is that I do not have anyone to cook for other than myself. I am perfectly content with eating the same meal for dinner five nights in a row. I usually latch onto a meal for awhile when it is quick, nutritious, and cheap. Once I get bored of that meal, I make a new one and the cycle repeats itself.

However, I do like to cook and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. When my mom told me she was stopping by my apartment on her way back from Maryland on Saturday, I leapt at the chance to cook her a meal. She cooked dinner for me for eighteen years so I have a lot of catching up to do!

The inspiration behind this meal was a packet of fresh mint that needed to be used before it went bad. I bought the mint before I went out of town last week and had no idea what exactly I was going to do with it. After some tinkering around, I made an easy dish that I was pretty proud to serve.

Lemon-Lime Mint Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice and Yogurt Sauce

An easy dinner for two that dresses up an otherwise bland, white fish. You can also use any other type of mild, white fish such as halibut, flounder or cod.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Assembly/ Cook Time: Overall combined: 50-60 minutes

Serving Size: 2

Ingredients:

• For fish:
  • Two 3 oz filets of tilapia (or fish of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, coarsely chopped
  • 1 gallon sized plastic bag
• For brown rice:
  • 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1/2 tablespoon cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
• For yogurt sauce:
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint, coarsely chopped (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste   

Instructions:

1. At least one hour prior to cooking: Take lime juice, lemon juice, water, lime zest, and fresh mint and put into a blender, food processor, or Magic Bullet and process until combined. In the plastic bag, combine fish and marinade and allow to sit for at least an hour.  
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Measure out brown rice and rinse. Cook according to the package instructions. (I cooked mine in a rice cooker for 40 minutes)
4. While the rice is cooking- to make yogurt sauce, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, mint, cilantro, and salt and pepper. Allow to sit in the fridge until ready to be served.
5. After the fish has marinated for at least an hour, take out of the bag and cook for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes.
6. Once the rice is completely cooked, combine cilantro and lime juice with rice until incorporated.
7. Garnish fish with any extra mint and/ or a lime. Serve with brown rice, yogurt sauce, and a side salad.

This meal does involve a lot of multi-tasking, but it comes together nicely. I will definitely make this again for guests or even to treat myself to a “fancy meal.”

What is your “go-to” meal for entertaining guests?

*I apologize for the poor quality of pictures. My camera has been on its last legs for a year but I don’t have the money to invest in a better one right now.*