This simple, elegant dish allows the trout's delicate flavor to shine through, while the lemon-herb butter adds a bright, aromatic touch. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to your taste preferences. For a more intense flavor, use more lemon zest and herbs. For a richer sauce, use more butter. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Rainbow trout is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. This recipe for Baked Rainbow Trout with Lemon-Herb Butter is inspired by the classic French dish, trout amandine. In the traditional version of trout amandine, the trout is dredged in flour and then pan-fried in butter with almonds. However, this baked version is much easier to make and just as delicious. The trout is simply brushed with a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, herbs, salt, and pepper, and then baked in the oven until cooked through. The result is a moist, flavorful fish with a crispy skin. The lemon-herb butter is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound rainbow trout fillets, skin-on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Brush the mixture over the trout fillets.
Place the trout fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the butter and parsley.
Spoon the lemon-herb butter over the cooked trout fillets.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
Baking the trout in the oven allows the skin to crisp up while keeping the flesh moist and tender.
The lemon-herb butter adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the fish.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to your taste preferences.