Best Ways To Cook Trout

Selection of Trout for Cooking

Choosing the right trout prior to cooking often involves processes such as freshness and quality. Here is a step-by-step guide that helps you select the best trout:

1. Check the Eyes

The fit and healthy condition of a fish can be determined by looking at its eyes. As per the study, it should have clear and bright eyes. Also, cloudy, sunken, or discolored eyes often indicate that the fish may not be fresh. So, it is necessary to choose fish with clear and bright eyes.

2. Smell the Fish

Another way to choose the best trout is by smelling it. It should have a mild, clean ocean or river smell. If it smells a strong, fishy, or ammonia-like odor, then you need to be aware that the fish is past its prime. So, keep this thing in mind while choosing the right trout.

3. Inspect the Flesh

You should inspect the flesh. If it is firm, elastic flesh that springs back when pressed, you can pick that. On the other hand, if the flesh is soft, slimy, or mushy it indicates spoilage.

4. Check the Gills

Do you have a habit of checking gills while buying trout? Well, for the right choice you should pick the one with bright red or pink gills. If the fish has gray, brown, or greenish gills, then you should avoid it as it can indicate the fish is not fresh.

5. Examine the Scales

You need to examine the scales also. If the scales are shiny, intact, and adhere firmly to the skin, then it is perfect for the selection. Similarly, you should avoid the ones that have dull, flaky, or missing scales.

6. Check for Ice or Packaging

Fish stored on ice or in well-maintained packaging is always advised if buying pre-packaged. So, fits for the trout as well. 
However, you need to avoid those that are not kept cold or are in poor packaging. This can affect freshness.

How To Cook Trout By Pan-Searing

Pan searing is the best method of cooking trout fish for taste. It is also a healthy method if you use less amount of fat. Here is how you can cook trout by pan-seared method:

Ingredients

• Trout fillets: 4 pieces (about 1 pound or 450 grams)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Fresh lemon: 1, sliced into wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. You can start by patting the trout fillets and drying them with paper towels. After that, you need to season both sides of the fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest (if using).
2. Now, you need to heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
3. After heating the oil, kindly place the trout fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes without moving the fillets.
   Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.:
4. Then, you can remove the trout from the pan and transfer it to a plate. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How To Cook Trout By Baking

Baking is perhaps the most popular way of cooking trout. People often have this query on how to cook trout in an oven. So, here is a step-by-step guidance, check out:

Ingredients

• Trout fillets: 4 pieces (about 1 pound or 450 grams)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh thyme or rosemary: 2 sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Lemon: 1, sliced into wedges
• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. After collecting all the necessary ingredients, you need to start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Then, you need to place the trout fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Take a small bowl, and mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the trout fillets.
3. After that, you can place a sprig of thyme or rosemary on top of each fillet (or sprinkle dried herbs if using). Kindly, arrange lemon slices on and around the fillets.
4. Now, it's time to bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Finally, you need to remove the trout from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Also, garnish the dish with chopped parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.

How To Cook Trout By Grilling

Grilling is the quickest and easiest way to cook trout without a doubt. This method can be done just by following the simple steps below:

Ingredients

• Trout fillets: 4 pieces (about 1 pound or 450 grams)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like dill or thyme): 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional)
• Lemon: 1, sliced into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Right after you have collected all the necessary ingredients, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If you are aiming to use a charcoal grill, then let the coals become hot and have a light ash coating.
2. After that, you need to take a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Also, brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the trout fillets. If you are using fresh herbs, then it is better to sprinkle them over the fillets.
3. Now, place the trout fillets or whole trout skin-side down on the grill grates or use a grill basket to prevent sticking. Then, you need to grill it for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. However, you have to avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist.
4. Finally, it is time to remove the trout from the grill and transfer it to a serving plate.

How To Cook Trout By Steaming

Steaming is the quickest and easiest way to cook trout fish. This can be done in a few simple steps, have a look:

Ingredients

• Trout fillets: 4 pieces (about 1 pound or 450 grams)
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely grated
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Green onions: 2, sliced thinly
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon: 1, sliced into wedges (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. First, you need to fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. If you are using a bamboo steamer, then line it with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent sticking.
2. Then, you should place the trout fillets on a heatproof plate or in the steamer basket. Take a small bowl and mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the trout fillets and sprinkle sliced green onions on top of the fillets.
3. After that, you need to place the plate or basket into the steamer. Cover with a lid. Steam the trout for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How To Cook Trout By Frying

Frying either deep or just fry is a brilliant way to cook trout fish. This gives a crispy, crunchy, and juicy flavor that fits for any occasion. Follow the steps below to cook trout by frying:

Ingredients

• Trout fillets: 4 pieces (about 1 pound or 450 grams)
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup
• Cornmeal: 1/2 cup
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Eggs: 2, beaten
• Milk: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil: 4 cups (for frying)
• Lemon: 1, sliced into wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. First of all, you need to start coating. Take a shallow dish, and combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using).
In another shallow dish, kindly whisk together the eggs and milk.

2. Then you need to pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels and dip each fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Also, dredge the fillet in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

3. After that, you should heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to cover the fillets at least halfway.

4. Finally, it's time to fry the stuff. You should carefully place the coated trout fillets into the hot oil. However, you need to make sure the pot does not overcrowd. It is better to fry in batches for the best results.

5. Then, you need to fry each fillet for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Drain and Serve:

6. After that, kindly remove the fillets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. You can garnish the cooked fish with chopped parsley (if using) and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips For Cooking Trout

No matter which cooking method you follow, you need to consider some tips for the best results:

1. You should choose fresh Trout. For that choose the one with clear eyes, bright gills, and firm flesh. If you select any fish with a strong fishy smell or soft, mushy texture, then there is a high chance that the fish is not fresh.
2. Interestingly, the skin helps retain moisture and flavor during cooking. It can also add a crispy texture when grilled or pan-seared. So, you should keep the skin on.
3. Seasoning is a great step in cooking trout. You should use a mix of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Lemon, dill, garlic, and parsley are great choices.
4. While cooking trout, you need to cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This fish cooks quickly, usually within 4-6 minutes depending on the method.
5. You need to make sure the trout reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety and optimal texture.
6. While cooking, you need to make sure there is even cooking which helps achieve a good sear or crispiness, especially when grilling or pan-searing.
7. When flipping trout, you need to use a gentle hand to avoid breaking the fillets. A fish spatula definitely works well for delicate fish.
8. It is a great idea to marinate trout for 15-30 minutes before cooking to upgrade flavor. So, you should use citrus-based marinades for a fresh taste.
9. Prevent overcrowding in the pan or grill to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
10. For the best flavor, let the cooked trout rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Once trout is cooked, you can enjoy it plain and hot. However, you can also serve it by incorporating with side dishes such as:

1. Fish Sandwich

You can use cooked trout in a fish sandwich which can be a delightful breakfast. For that, kindly put a piece of trout on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a spread like tartar sauce or aioli.

2. With Rice

You can enjoy the cooked trout by serving it over a bed of rice, such as white, brown, or wild rice, for a hearty meal. This will be a blissful addition to your rice that not only makes you fuller but upgrades the joy of rice.

3. Trout Salad

Cooked trout can be turned into a delightful salad. Just flake the trout and mix it with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

4. With Steamed Vegetables

For another healthy and happy twist, you can enjoy trout with steamed veggies. Just add the fish with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy meal.