Description
Master the art of cooking tender and juicy Oven Baked Trout, infused with bright flavors like lemon, fresh herbs, and garlic. This simple yet impressive recipe delivers a healthy, wholesome meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for a versatile, elegant seafood dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 whole fresh trout (firm, shiny, sea-smelling), about 1 to 1.5 pounds
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 lemon slices (plus extra for serving)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh dill or parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the trout under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season inside and out evenly with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices, fresh herbs, and garlic cloves inside the cavity if using a whole fish to add aroma and flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking that keeps the trout moist and tender without drying it out.
- Arrange the Trout on a Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the trout, rubbing it on the skin to create a natural moisture barrier. Lay the trout flat with space around it for even heat circulation.
- Bake the Trout: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes depending on the fish size. The trout is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Let the trout rest a few minutes after baking to allow juices to settle, enhancing tenderness. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon and garnish with additional herbs before serving.
Notes
- Always choose the freshest trout available for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook to avoid dry fish; trout cooks quickly and should flake easily but remain moist.
- Wrapping the fish lightly in foil during baking helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with aromatics like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon inside the cavity for different flavor profiles.
- Pat the fish dry thoroughly before seasoning to promote crispy skin when baked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 trout (approx. 6-8 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg