Carolina Rub Tilapia and Green Beans

We had only used half the Carolina rub last time we made Pork Chops with Carolina Rub, so Will decided it would be a great idea to use the rest on some tilapia for a super simple dinner dish. This turned out being pretty similar to our No Money Tilapia, with several spices overlapping. However, because of the hint of sugar in the mixture, this Carolina rub gives a bit of sweetness with its spice, reflective of the states that are the origin of its name. This ended up being a fantastic use of the spice mixture, as well as a less-than-boring way to eat tilapia, and a slight variation on how we've been making it most recently. Then, Will wondered if it would be a good idea to toss the green beans in the butter/rub mixture after the tilapia was done? It ended up being a stroke of genius.

Cooking Notes: I have included half the rub recipe here to accurately reflect the amount we used for this particular recipe.

Carolina Rub Tilapia and Green Beans (serves 2)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tilapia filets
2-3 tbsp butter
8 oz. green beans (frozen or fresh)

Begin by combining spices in a bowl and stirring until evenly mixed. Begin to cook green beans according to package directions. Then begin to melt butter in a medium skillet. While butter is melting (keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn), rub Carolina rub onto tilapia filets and set aside. Once butter has melted, place tilapia filets in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until tilapia is cooked through. Remove tilapia from skillet.

At this point, the green beans should be done-drain them and then toss in the skillet where you cooked the tilapia, making sure to coat them in the butter/Carolina rub mixture. Serve with tilapia and enjoy!