Sautéed Balsamic Fish with Lemon Basil Orzo
Ingredients
2 cups water
Zest/juice of 1 lemon
1 cup orzo pasta
5 tablespoons basil pesto, divided
8 oz tomato trinity mix (fresh diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers), divided
4 white fish filets, (tilapia, haddock, or flounder; 1.25 lb)
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic/herb seasoning
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Prep
- Zest/grate lemon peel (no white; 1 teaspoon); squeeze lemon for juice (2 tablespoons).
Steps
- Bring exactly 2 cups water to boil for pasta. Stir orzo into boiling water; cook and stir 4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer and stir often for 3–4 more minutes or until orzo is tender and most of liquid has been absorbed. (Important to stir orzo, to prevent sticking; no draining needed.)
- Stir in 3 tablespoons pesto, 1/2 cup tomato trinity, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Remove pan from heat and cover; set aside.
- Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Season fish on both sides with garlic/herb seasoning. Place oil in pan, then add fish; cook 1–2 minutes or until fish is lightly browned. Turn fish over.
- Combine broth, vinegar, remaining 3/4 cup tomato trinity, and remaining 2 tablespoons pesto. Add to fish; cook 2–3 minutes or until mixture reduces by about one-half and fish is 145°F (and opaque and flakes easily). Serve with orzo.
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