All Recipes

Perfectly Cooked Trout with Lemon Herb Butter

25 min 4 servings Easy
Cooking trout can be a delightful experience, offering a rich yet delicate flavour that is both satisfying and healthy. This recipe emphasizes a simple method using a lemon herb butter sauce to enhance the natural taste of the fish. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, this dish brings out the best in trout without overwhelming its subtle flavours. It's a wonderful choice for a quick weekday dinner or an elegant weekend meal. Our version focuses on maximizing flavour while keeping the process straightforward, ensuring that even beginners will find success in the kitchen.

Instructions

1

Prepare the Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with lemon juice, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Pro tip: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

2

Preheat the Skillet

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Pro tip: Using a cast-iron skillet ensures even heat distribution.

3

Season the Trout

Pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Pro tip: Drying the fillets helps achieve a nice, crispy skin.

4

Cook the Trout

Place the fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Pro tip: Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan.

5

Flip the Fillets

Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through.

Pro tip: The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

6

Add Lemon Herb Butter

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the lemon herb butter on top of each fillet. Let it melt and coat the fish.

Pro tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the buttery sauce at its freshest.

💡

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the trout is fresh for the best flavour.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking.
  • Adjust cooking time based on trout thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to cook trout perfectly?

Cook trout in a hot skillet with olive oil, skin-side down, until crispy, then flip and cook until opaque and flaky.

What is the best way to season trout?

Season trout with salt and pepper and enhance with a lemon herb butter made with parsley and dill.

How long should I cook trout?

Cook trout fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Can I make the lemon herb butter in advance?

Yes, the lemon herb butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

What should I serve with cooked trout?

Serve cooked trout with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and pair with a crisp white wine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this trout with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to complement its rich flavours. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied beer pairs excellently with this dish. You can prepare the lemon herb butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Leftover cooked trout can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

30g

Protein

22g

Fat

2g

Carbs