Grilled Trout Recipe: Easy Steps for Delicious Flavor

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Grilling trout is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful fish. With just a few simple ingredients like lemon, salt, and pepper, you can prepare a tasty meal in no time. Whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal, you’ll get crispy skin and tender meat every time.

Imagine enjoying a summer evening with the smell of grilled trout wafting through the air. The gentle sizzle as the trout cooks will make your mouth water.

Ready to get started? Grab your ingredients and let’s fire up the grill!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To grill trout, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some possible substitutes:

Ingredients:

• 4 trout fillets: Freshly caught or store-bought.
• Cooking oil: Coconut oil or vegetable oil. Olive oil or avocado oil works too.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a citrusy flavor. Lime juice is a good alternative.

For extra flavor:

• Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill. Use dried if fresh isn’t available.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Butter: Softened butter. Ghee or margarine can also be used.
• Greens (optional): Spinach or kale for grilling on the side.

Simple Slaw (optional):

• Napa cabbage: Shredded. Regular green cabbage works too.
• Red cabbage: Adds color. Can be skipped if unavailable.
• Green onion: Chopped. Substitute with red onion.
• Carrot: Shredded.

For the dressing:

• Rice vinegar: Adds zest. Apple cider vinegar can substitute.
• Gochujang: Korean chili paste. Use sriracha if needed.
• Ginger: Freshly grated. Ground ginger is an alternative.

These ingredients will make your grilled trout flavorful and delicious. Experiment with substitutes to suit your taste and what’s available. Enjoy your cooking!

Instructions

1. 
   

   Preheat the Grill
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, aim for around 250 degrees.

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare the Trout
   Clean the trout and pat it dry. If using whole trout, rub the outside with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Season the cavity with salt, black pepper, and add lemon slices, onion slices, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary.

   
   
3. 
   

   Season the Fillets
   For fillets, coat them in cooking oil and season with salt, pepper, and optional old bay seasoning or minced garlic. Place small pats of butter on the flesh side of the fillets.

   
   
4. 
   

   Grill the Trout
   Place the trout directly on the grill or use a fish grill pan or aluminum foil. Grill for about 5-10 minutes on the first side. When the trout comes away easily from the grill, flip it over and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Check for Doneness
   The trout is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If using fillets, cook each side for about 3-5 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve Immediately
   Serve the grilled trout while it’s hot. You can serve it with chopped greens or spätzle for a complete meal.

   
   

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Grilling trout can be simple with a few helpful tips.

Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature. For gas grills, medium-high heat is usually best.

When seasoning trout, use salt, pepper, and oil to keep it flavorful and moist.

Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to flip the trout gently. Each side usually needs only a few minutes.

Cooked trout is best stored in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container and eat within 2-3 days.

If you want to freeze grilled trout, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Trout can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating tips:

• For best results, reheat grilled trout in the oven at 350°F until warm.
• Microwaving can also work but may make the trout less moist.

Remember to always use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Honey Garlic Glazed Trout: For a sweet and savory twist, grill your trout with a honey garlic butter sauce. It only takes about fifteen minutes to cook once prepped and adds an amazing flavor.

Ingredients:

• Lake Trout
• Honey
• Garlic
• Butter

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Pair your grilled trout with lemon herb quinoa. The lemon and herbs in the quinoa complement the trout’s flavors nicely and add a healthy protein boost.

Cucumber Dill Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad made with cucumber and dill is perfect for summer. The freshness of the cucumbers and the flavor of the dill work wonderfully with the grilled trout.

Roasted Vegetables: Roast some bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for an earthy and savory side dish. The caramelized vegetables create a flavorful balance to the smoky trout.

Spinach Strawberry Salad: This light and fruity salad consists of fresh spinach and sweet strawberries. It’s a great match with the grilled trout, adding a bit of sweetness and crunch.

Citrus Avocado Salsa: For a creamy and zesty addition, try making a citrus avocado salsa. This combination of citrus fruits and creamy avocado provides a vibrant and lively side.

Table of suggested pairings:

Recipe Variation	Serving Suggestion
Honey Garlic Glazed Trout	Lemon Herb Quinoa
Lemon Herb Trout	Cucumber Dill Salad
Garlic Butter Trout	Roasted Vegetables
Dill and Lemon Trout	Spinach Strawberry Salad
Classic Grilled Trout	Citrus Avocado Salsa

Experiment with these variations and sides to find your favorite combination. Enjoy your meal!