Quick & Easy Grilled Whole Trout: Simple & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat20gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole trout, fresh (scaled and gutted)1 piece
- Olive oil, extra virgin2 tbsp
- Fresh lemon, thinly sliced1 piece
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill or thyme), chopped2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced2 cloves
- Salt, preferably kosher1 tsp
- Ground black pepper0.5 tsp
This quick and easy grilled whole trout recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to impress with minimal fuss. Whole trout is flavorful and benefits from simple seasoning and direct grilling, which imparts a delicious smoky char. This recipe includes clear, safe cooking guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked fish every time. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, and ₹900. The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving, fitting well into a balanced diet. The recipe is beginner-friendly with a medium ease level and total prep plus cook time of around 25 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the trout
1Rinse the whole trout under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure the fish is cleaned and gutted by your fishmonger or do this yourself carefully. This helps achieve even cooking and prevents any unwanted flavors.
Preheat the grill
2Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F (190-200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking fish evenly without burning the outside.
Season the fish
3Brush the trout inside and out with olive oil. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and half the chopped herbs. Place lemon slices inside the cavity and some on top of the fish for fresh citrus flavor.
Oil the grill grates
4To prevent the fish from sticking, oil the grill grates using a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil (use tongs to hold it). This step helps you flip the fish easily.
Grill the trout
5Place the trout directly on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on one side without moving it, then carefully flip the fish using a wide spatula and tongs to avoid breaking the skin. Grill the other side for an additional 6-8 minutes.
Check doneness
6The trout is cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fish. This ensures it is safe to eat.
Rest and serve
7Remove the trout from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist and flavorful fish. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and extra lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Tips
1If fresh trout is unavailable, you can substitute with similarly sized whole fish like rainbow trout or sea bream.
2Using a fish grilling basket can make flipping safer and easier, especially for beginners.
3Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other foods.
4To enhance smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to your grill if using a charcoal grill.
Equipment Needed
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Wide spatula
- Brush or oil-soaked paper towel
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate for serving
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole trout, fresh - Approx. $8.50. Choose firm, bright eyes and shiny skin.
- [ ] Olive oil, extra virgin - Approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp. Opt for high quality for best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh lemon - Approx. $0.50. Choose firm, heavy lemons for juiciness.
- [ ] Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme) - Approx. $2. Choose bright green and fragrant bunches.
- [ ] Garlic cloves - Approx. $0.20. Use firm and plump cloves.
- [ ] Salt and pepper - Pantry staples. Use kosher salt for better texture if available.
Total approximate cost: $12.20
FAQ
How do I know if the trout is properly cleaned?
A properly cleaned trout will be gutted with no remaining blood or entrails inside. The fish should be scaled unless you prefer to scale it yourself at home.
Can I grill trout without a thermometer?
Yes, you can tell the trout is done when the flesh becomes opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the skin crisps nicely. However, using a thermometer is safest.
Is it safe to eat the skin of grilled trout?
Yes, grilled trout skin is safe and delicious when cooked properly, providing a crispy texture and extra flavor.
Can I marinate the trout before grilling?
Yes, marinating the trout for 15-30 minutes in lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil can enhance flavor, but don't marinate too long to avoid breaking down the flesh.