This baked Steelhead Trout takes minutes to bake! Loaded with garlic and lemon, this dish was absolutely delicious. I purchased this trout fresh, immediately froze it, then allowed it to thaw in my refrigerator overnight. The trout was still as fresh as it had been the day I bought it!
Steelhead and Rainbow Trout are the same species of fish. The difference between the two are that the rainbow trout remain in fresh water, while the steelhead are anadromous – living in both fresh water and the ocean for parts of their lives.
Steelhead trout is a member of the salmon family that is commonly fished for sport in the United States. It is related to (and similar in many ways to) the rainbow trout, but steelhead trout are slightly larger, are less colorful.
Steelhead trout taste much like salmon. It is a little stronger in flavor, but you can easily substitute salmon in this recipe. It is a beautiful fish that makes a wonderful presentation.
I actually had this for breakfast. It was wonderful with some hashbrowns, fried eggs and toast.
This would be wonderful with just some buttered red potatoes, a nice salad or a vegetable like asparagus or sautéed spinach. Here is an asparagus recipe on the blog that would be delicious with this: https://the2spoons.com/sesame-roasted-asparagus-with-whipped-boursin/.
Easy Lemony Baked Steelhead Trout
When I bought this it was whole. Before cooking I removed the head and cut the fish down the middle. There is a line of bones that I removed, but all of this was easily done.
Melted butter with garlic and lemon juice, along with slices of lemon makes for such a delicious meal. I cooked I in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, checking after about 10. You want to cook it until the fish is a little flaky, but you sure don’t want to overcook it.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the fish by removing the head and slicing through but leaving it whole, so you can lay flat. Thoroughly wash the fish. Dry the fish and lay flat so you can remove the bones. There is a strip of bones I just easily removed with a sharp knife pulling them out, you can feel them and it's not hard to do. You may be able to buy your fish already prepped, but mine was whole, but still very easy. Line a sheet pan or baking dish with foil. Place your fish in the dish. Melt your butter, then add the minced garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice. Brush on both sides of your fish, pouring the remainder on and around the fish. Sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Lay the lemons on top of your fish on both sides. Bake for about 10 minutes, then check for doneness. You want the fish to be a little firm but flaky. If not done, place back into the oven and cook an additional 10 minutes or until flaky. you could even cook under the broiler, watching closely so that it doesn't burn. Use any leftover to make croquettes. Use just like flaked salmon. Enjoy