Are you looking for an easy, but delicious lunch or dinner idea that won't take up too much of your time? Look no further! This blackened trout recipe is the perfect answer - it's full of flavor, requires minimal prep time, and is healthful enough to enjoy on a daily basis.

Blackened trout is a delicious and flavorful dish that's perfect for seafood lovers. This Cajun and Creole-inspired recipe involves seasoning the trout with a blend of spices and cooking it until a spicy, flavorful crust forms on the outside of the fish. If you're looking for a simple and tasty way to enjoy fresh trout, blackened trout is definitely worth a try.

When it comes to seafood recipes, blackening is an excellent cooking method that often gets overlooked. It's a real shame because this time-honored Cajun technique yields some of the tastiest and juiciest dishes around. So if you're looking for a flavorful way to mix up your dinner routine, this blackened trout recipe is definitely worth trying out!

Packed with spice and citrusy notes, it's easy to prepare yet will still make you feel like a top-notch chef in the kitchen. Read on for all the tips and tricks on how to master this delectable entrée and wow your guests!

A fillet of trout with a blackened spice rub, cooked in a cast iron skillet and served over grits

Beats and Eats (music to pair with blackened fish)

Little Simz's song "Gorilla" pairs well with blackened trout for several reasons that create a dynamic and engaging sensory experience:

Blackened trout is known for its bold, spicy, and robust flavor profile. The blackening seasoning typically includes a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices that create a powerful taste experience.

"Gorilla" by Little Simz features strong beats, assertive lyrics, and a confident delivery that mirrors the intensity of the blackened trout. The song’s energy complements the boldness of the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.

The process of blackening trout involves a complex layering of spices and a crispy, charred exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful fish inside.

Little Simz is known for her intricate lyricism and the rich, layered production in her music. "Gorilla" is a track that offers depth and complexity, much like the multiple layers of flavor in blackened trout.

What Is Blackened Method of Cooking

The blackening method of cooking is a technique used in Cajun and Creole cuisine that involves coating fish, chicken, or other meats with a blend of spices (typically including paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme) and then cooking it in a very hot cast iron skillet or on a grill until the spices form a flavorful crust on the outside of the food.

The intense heat and spices can sometimes cause the food to darken or "blacken" slightly, which is where the name comes from. The blackening method can create a delicious and flavorful crust on meats and seafood, and is often used in dishes like blackened fish or blackened chicken. It is important to note that the blackening method can create a lot of smoke, so it is best to use a well-ventilated kitchen or outdoor cooking area when preparing blackened dishes.

Ingredients Needed To Make Blackened Trout

Trout is a fish with mild flavor which makes it a good fit with the bolder blackening seasoning. To make blackened trout, you'll need some fresh trout fillets, as well as a mix of spices that typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and sometimes other herbs and spices like garlic or onion powder. You'll also need a hot skillet or grill to cook the fish in.

For the Fish

Steelhead Trout
Ghee (clarified butter)
Unsalted Butter

For the Spice Combination

Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Smoked Paprika
Garlic Powder
Cayenne Pepper
White Pepper
Dried Thyme
Dried Oregano

How To Make Blackened Trout (step by step)

Make the Blackened Seasoning Mixture

Mix all the spices together in a small mixing bowl or ramekin

Prepare the Trout

Melt butter and dip fillets in it or brush both sides of the fish with it.

Place trout on a shallow plate and season the fish on both sides with the blackening seasoning, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

Heat a heavy skillet like a cast-iron skillet on high heat until it's very hot, add the ghee, then the seasoned fish. Cook the fish for a few minutes on each side, until the spices form a dark, crispy crust and the fish is cooked through.

Add the fish fillets. If cooking with skin on one side then start skin side down first. Add about a tablespoon butter to the hot skillet for basting. As it begins to melt tilt the pan and using a spoon scoop up the melted butter and continually baste the fish with it. Cook 2-3 minutes depending on thickness. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.

Remove the fish and serve.

Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutions

Blackened trout can be served as the main course with a variety of side dishes, such as white rice, green beans, or a simple salad. Some people also like to top their blackened trout with a sauce, such as a creamy herb sauce or a tangy citrus sauce.
Choose an oil/fat with a high smoke point (grapeseed oil, peanut oil, ghee). I'd stay away from olive oil here.
Be sure to coat the fish well with the spice rub, pressing the spices onto the surface of the fish.
Make sure you use a large skillet to give yourself room to cook the fish. Also make sure the bottom of the pan is well coated with the oil.
Heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat. It should be smoking hot.
Blackened fish is traditionally cooked in a very hot cast iron skillet or on a grill. The intense heat helps to sear the spices onto the fish and create a flavorful crust.
Blackened fish should be cooked quickly, typically just a few minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough.
The blackening method can create a lot of smoke, so it is best to use a well-ventilated kitchen or outdoor cooking area when preparing blackened dishes. Turn your stovetop fan on to its highest setting.
Salmon, redfish, and catfish make for good substitutes for trout in blackening recipes.
With these tips in mind, you can create a delicious and flavorful blackened fish dish. Experiment with different types of fish and seasonings to find your favorite combination!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cooking Trout

Can you eat the skin of a trout?

Yes, you can eat the skin of a trout! In fact, the skin of trout is often considered to be one of the most flavorful and nutritious parts of the fish. Trout skin is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. When cooked properly, the skin can also add a nice crispy texture to the fish.

However, it's important to make sure that the trout you're eating is safe and free of contaminants. If you're buying trout from a store or restaurant, look for fresh, high-quality fish that has been properly handled and stored to ensure food safety.

What are the different types of trout?

There are several different types of trout, including:

Rainbow Trout: A popular species of trout that is known for its colorful markings and delicious taste. Rainbow trout are native to North America, but are now found in many other parts of the world.
Brown Trout: Another popular species of trout that is prized for its rich flavor and often caught for sport. Brown trout are native to Europe, but have been introduced to many other regions as well.
Brook Trout: A smaller species of trout that is known for its distinctive markings and delicate flavor. Brook trout are native to eastern North America.
Cutthroat Trout: A trout species that is known for its colorful markings and is native to western North America. Cutthroat trout are often found in mountain streams and rivers.
Lake Trout: A larger species of trout that is found in many freshwater lakes in North America. Lake trout can grow to be quite large, and are often caught for sport.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of trout that can be found around the world. Each species has its own unique characteristics and can be prepared in a variety of ways to create delicious dishes.

Do you cook trout like salmon?

Trout and salmon are both types of oily fish that are similar in many ways, but they do have some differences in terms of their flavor and texture.

When it comes to cooking, you can prepare trout in a similar way to salmon, but it's important to keep in mind that trout is generally smaller and more delicate than salmon. Here are a few tips for cooking trout:

Baking or Roasting: You can bake or roast trout in the oven in a similar way to salmon. Place the trout fillets on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and add any other desired seasonings or marinades. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F to 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Grilling: Trout can be grilled over direct heat in a similar way to salmon. Brush the fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper or your favorite spices. Place the fillets on a preheated grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Pan-Frying: Trout can also be pan-fried in a similar way to salmon. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fillets with salt and pepper and any other desired spices. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Overall, trout can be cooked in a variety of ways, and you can experiment with different methods and seasonings to find what you like best. Just keep in mind that trout is generally smaller and more delicate than salmon, so be careful not to overcook it.

Make This Recipe

Now that you know how to make blackened trout, it’s time to get in the kitchen and try it out for yourself! This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. So what are you waiting for? Grab some trout and get cooking!

If you make this trout recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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5 from 12 votes

Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Fish lovers delight! Lots of tips and tricks to make it to your family's liking. I loved using ghee.

Marie

I'm crazy for blackened crust! It's incredibly flavorful and your cooking technique also kept the fish super moist and tender. Loved it!

Katie Crenshaw

I loved the flavors of this blackening seasoning mix! It was excellent on the trout! I highly reccommend.

Elizabeth

I have been looking for new fish recipes to try. Trout would be a new recipe for me, as I have not made it at home before.

amy liu dong

This looks so delicious and so easy to make. This is definitely a new way of cooking trout for me.

Easy Delicious Blackened Trout Recipe

Beats and Eats (music to pair with blackened fish)

What Is Blackened Method of Cooking