Spicy Scallion Pesto Tilapia with Ginger Rice and Green Beans

Classic basil pesto is great, but this scallion Sriracha pesto is a fun twist you’ll crave. Finely chopped scallions are mixed with sesame oil, sesame seeds, ginger, sugar, lime juice and Sriracha for a tangy, sweet, savory and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect contrast to mild tilapia, fluffy ginger rice and crisp green beans.

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The rice is infused with ginger, the green beans are buttery and the tilapia is pan-seared until golden. Drizzle everything with the vibrant pesto and a splash of soy sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

8 ounce Green BeansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

11 ounce TilapiaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Brussels SproutsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Soy SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Sesame SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Sesame OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SrirachaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 thumb GingerView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce (except green beans). Peel and mince or grate ginger. Trim and finely chop scallions. Halve lime; cut one half into wedges.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1¼ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
3. While rice cooks, in a medium bowl, combine scallions, sesame oil, half the sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon sugar, juice from half a lime and Sriracha to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust ginger or lime juice as desired.
4. Pat tilapia dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and cook until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Turn off heat.
5. While tilapia cooks, pierce green bean bag with a fork and place on a plate. Microwave until tender, 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, steam green beans in a small pot with a splash of water until just tender, 5-7 minutes. Transfer green beans to a bowl; add 1 tablespoon butter and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fluff rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Divide rice and green beans between plates. Arrange tilapia on top of rice; drizzle with scallion Sriracha pesto and soy sauce to taste. Serve with lime wedges.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for green beans?

You can use asparagus, broccoli or snap peas instead.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.