Steamed trout is a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish to prepare at home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly cooked and delicious trout every time.
Imagine flaky, tender trout infused with aromatic herbs and spices, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in a fancy restaurant, while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Steamed Trout Recipe
- Healthy and Light: Steaming preserves the trout’s natural flavors and nutrients, making it a healthy and light choice for any meal.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the flavors by using different herbs, spices, and sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole trout (about 1 pound), cleaned and scaled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, thyme, or tarragon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Equipment
- Steamer basket
- Large pot or saucepan with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Let’s Get Steaming: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Trout
- Rinse the trout under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the fish on both sides by making 2-3 diagonal slashes about 1 inch apart. This helps the heat penetrate evenly and allows the flavors to infuse.
2. Infusing with Flavor
- Drizzle the olive oil inside the cavity of the fish and rub it all over the skin.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
3. Steaming the Trout
- Fill the pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Place the steamer basket inside the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
- Carefully place the trout in the steamer basket.
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to medium.
- Steam the trout for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Pro Tip from Chef Michael: To check for doneness, insert a thin-bladed knife into the thickest part of the fish. If it comes out clean and the flesh is opaque, it’s ready.
4. Serving the Steamed Trout
- Carefully remove the trout from the steamer basket and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Perfectly Steamed Trout
Tips for the Best Steamed Trout
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Steamed trout is best cooked until just opaque and flaky. Overcooking will make it dry.
- Add Flavor to the Steaming Liquid: Infuse the steaming water with white wine, lemon slices, or herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Steamed trout is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides, such as:
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, and carrots are all great choices.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment.
- Rice pilaf: The nutty flavor of rice pilaf complements the delicate flavor of the trout.
Delicious Sides for Steamed Trout
FAQs About Steaming Trout
Q: Can I steam frozen trout?
A: It’s best to thaw the trout completely before steaming to ensure even cooking.
Q: How do I know when the trout is cooked?
A: The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also insert a thin-bladed knife into the thickest part of the fish – if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Q: What are some other sauces that go well with steamed trout?
A: Steamed trout is incredibly versatile! You can try it with a classic sauce genevoise (find our recipe here: [link to https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-sauce-genevoise/ using the text “sauce genevoise”]), a vibrant ravigote sauce (recipe here: [link to https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-ravigote-sauce/ using the text “ravigote sauce”]), or even a tangy grenobloise sauce (recipe: [link to https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-grenobloise-sauce/ using the text “grenobloise sauce”]).
Conclusion
Steamed trout is a healthy, delicious, and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fish in the comfort of your own home. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a try? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Let us know in the comments below how your steamed trout turns out. And be sure to check out our other delicious and easy recipes on Family Cuisine!
