Description
This Baked Rainbow Trout Fillet recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy fresh trout. Infused with garlic, lemon zest, and fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, each fillet is brushed with olive oil and topped with butter and lemon slices before baking to tender perfection. Ideal for a wholesome, light meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 rainbow trout fillets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary. Mix thoroughly so the flavors meld together.
- Dry and Arrange Fillets: Gently pat the trout fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place them skin side down onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Season the Fillets: Using a pastry brush, coat the flesh side of each trout fillet evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt and coarse ground black pepper over each fillet to season properly.
- Add Herb Mixture and Toppings: Spoon the garlic, lemon, and herb mixture evenly over the flesh of each fillet, spreading it out to cover the surface well. Place two lemon slices on top of each fillet and add one tablespoon of unsalted butter per fillet.
- Bake the Trout: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). For thicker fillets, baking up to 17 minutes may be necessary to ensure they are fully cooked.
Notes
- Patting the fillets dry helps achieve a better texture and prevents sogginess.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
