Perfectly Grilled Whole Trout: A Simple BBQ Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat20gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole trout, cleaned and gutted (fresh) - look for firm flesh and bright eyes1 piece (about 400g)
- Lemon, thinly sliced (choose fresh, firm lemons)1 piece
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, fresh and aromatic)2 sprigs
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced (fresh and firm)2 cloves
- Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
This recipe teaches you how to grill a whole trout on your BBQ to achieve tender, flavorful fish with crispy skin. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £8 / ₹800. Each serving offers about 350 calories, making it a healthy and satisfying option. Suitable for pescatarian diets, this recipe is easy to prepare and takes about 30 minutes total, including preparation and cooking. Essential food safety guidelines are included, such as cooking the fish to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure safe consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the grill and fish
1Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C or 400°F). While the grill heats, rinse the trout under cold water and pat dry with paper towels, which helps the skin crisp up on the grill.
Season the trout
2Place the trout on a clean plate. Rub the olive oil all over the fish, including inside the cavity. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper inside and out. Insert lemon slices, garlic, and herb sprigs inside the cavity of the fish for added flavor.
Oil the grill grates
3To prevent sticking, use a folded paper towel dipped in olive oil and tongs to oil the grill grates carefully before putting the fish on.
Grill the trout
4Place the trout directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving the fish to develop a nice grill mark and help the skin crisp.
Flip and finish grilling
5Carefully flip the trout using two spatulas or a large spatula and tongs together, and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes. The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part, and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
Cooking Tips
1To avoid the fish sticking to the grill, make sure the grill is hot and clean, and oil the grates well before cooking.
2Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it helps ensure the fish is safely cooked without overcooking.
3If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used but add them sparingly as they are more potent.
4Serve grilled trout with a fresh salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.
Equipment needed
- BBQ grill (charcoal or gas)
- Tongs
- Spatula (preferably two for flipping)
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Small bowl or plate
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole trout (about 400g) - Approximately $8. Look for fresh trout with bright eyes and shiny skin.
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece) - Approximately $0.5. Pick firm lemons with smooth skin.
- [ ] Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional) - Approximately $1. Fresh herbs add great flavor and aroma.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - You may already have this; if buying, approximately $5 for a bottle.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves) - Approx $0.5. Choose firm, unblemished cloves.
- [ ] Salt - Usually in pantry; if buying, approx $1.
- [ ] Black pepper - Usually in pantry; if buying, approx $2.
Total approximate cost: $10 (prices may vary depending on location and store).
FAQ
How do I know when the trout is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Can I use frozen trout for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the trout completely and pat it dry to get the best grilling results.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill grates are clean and hot. Oil the grates carefully just before placing the fish on them. Also, pat the fish dry before seasoning.
Can I use other herbs instead of thyme or rosemary?
Absolutely! Herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano work great and add different flavor notes to the fish.