Sometimes I just don’t have the time to make a long and involved dinner. This pesto fish is a really easy and fast dish to make on the fly. In fact my husband, who doesn’t cook often, usually makes this if he has to make dinner.
Ordinarily, I would totally support making your own pesto and I do plan on showing you a great recipe for it later on. However, I have somewhat of a black thumb and kill all herbs I try to grow. Also, unless you are at the peak of the season, the price for fresh basil can sometimes be ridiculous. I found a great deal at my local “big box store” on pesto and it is super fresh. It works perfect for a quick dinner!
If you have never had pesto, you should give it a try. Pesto is a combination of basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan or romano cheeses and pine nuts. It is really flavorful and has a beautiful green color. When I make this meal I usually serve it with a quick cooking rice and vegetable. You can count on the fish taking 10 minutes or less to cook, so I start my rice and veggie first and time when to start my fish accordingly.
Pesto is so versatile, it really works great on just about anything. If you aren’t a fan of seafood, try this on chicken or pork! (be sure to adjust your cooking time for chicken or pork).
Enjoy!
Pesto Fish
4-4oz Tilapia fillets (use any fish you like, it goes well on almost anything mild)
1/4 teaspoon Mrs. Dash or you could use Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons of olive oil
4-6 tablespoons of pesto sauce
4 thin lemon slices
Sprinkle Mrs.Dash, dill, salt and pepper evenly over fish. Heat oil in a large non stick skillet over medium heat and add fish fillets. There is no need to turn the fish, just gently lift the edges of the fish with a thin spatula once or twice while cooking to ensure the fish won’t stick to the pan. Keep fish covered while cooking, around 6-7 minutes depending on thickness. During the last-minute of cooking top each fish fillet with about a tablespoon of the pesto (more or less to your tastes) and a slice of lemon.
Serve immediately.
