Description
This quick and healthy rainbow trout recipe features a rich filling of cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The fish is baked until tender, and the filling keeps it moist and flavorful, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 whole rainbow trout (approx. 12–14 oz each), butterflied
- 1/4 cup full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Trout: Rinse the butterflied trout under cold water and pat thoroughly dry inside and out using paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, fresh basil, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
- Stuff and Fold Fish: Place each butterflied trout skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over one side of the opened trout, then fold the other half over the filling to create a pocket.
- Season and Bake: Brush the outside skin of the stuffed trout generously with olive oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
- Serve: Garnish immediately with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
To achieve crispy skin, pat the trout thoroughly dry before seasoning. Do not overcook; check doneness using a fork test or thermometer (145°F). The filling can be prepared up to two days in advance for quicker assembly on a weeknight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg