Steelhead Trout Recipe

From start to finish, garlic butter steelhead trout (or salmon), cooked in foil is the easiest trout recipe in the world. I’ve most likely claimed this before on this blog, but I swear this is really the one. Baking fish in foil with garlic, butter, and lemon is an easy, winning combo that yields a juicy buttery flavor. While the prep work takes minutes, the cleanup only takes seconds.

Steelhead trout is very similar to salmon in appearance, however, steelhead trout tends to be a little stronger in flavor. Not to be confused with rainbow trout, which tends to be lighter and color and milder in flavor in my experience.

I think the ingredients speak for themselves. The lemon will give your trout a perfect zesty fresh finish, while the butter and garlic will do exactly what butter and garlic always do.

The cook-in-foil method is incredibly easy because there is minimal cleanup. I’m talking done-in-25-minutes easy. Drizzle/spread trout or fish of your choice with lemon, softened butter, fresh minced garlic, and fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Seal in an aluminum foil packet and bake for 15-17 minutes.

There are a few methods when it comes to covering the fish in garlic butter. If you soften the butter into a soft paste, you can evenly spread it on top of the filet. It’s a great way to ensure the fish is entirely covered. Melting the butter entirely works, too.

This foil method will work for just about any fish and any topping. I’ve done it with cod, haddock, salmon, and of course trout. If your fish is on the larger side, you can crimp together two pieces of foil so you have a larger surface area.

steelhead trout recipe

Ultimate Steelhead Trout Recipe

steelhead trout recipe

This is the ultimate steelhead trout recipe. Topped with shallots, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, it’s so juicy and flavorful. It’s so simple but looks impressive.

Prep: 15min

Total: 30min

Yield: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 steelhead trout or salmon fillet (1 1/2 – 2 1/2 lbs)
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 Tablespoons fresh dill, minced (you can also use other herbs, like parsley, chives))
  • salt, ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon (1 teaspoon of zest and all the freshly squeezed juice)

Instruction:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet or small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the shallot and cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the shallot softens.
  3. Add the garlic and the lemon zest, cook for another minute. Cool slightly. Squeeze in half of the lemon juice.
  4. Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet. If it’s really big, lay it diagonally across the baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Spoon the butter over the fish.
  6. Sprinkle with half of the minced dill.
  7. Roast in the oven for 12-17 minutes, depending on how thick the fish is. The best way to check for doneness is to use a fork to gently prick the fish, and if it flakes easily, it’s ready.
  8. Use several spatulas to take the fish off the baking sheet in one piece. (Or cut it into sections, if it’s easier.)
  9. Squeeze the other half of the lemon over the fish and sprinkle with more fresh dill.

Garlic Butter Steelhead Trout in Foil Recipe

steelhead trout recipe

Simple steelhead trout recipe baked in foil with garlic, lemon, butter, and fresh herbs.

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1, calories 357 calories, Sugar 0.4g, Sodium 79mg, Fat 17.2g, Saturated Fat 3.7g, Carbohydrate 1.9g, Fiber 0.5g, Protein 45.7g, Cholesterol 15mg

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound steelhead trout filet, skin removed optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 a lemon, juice squeezed
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instruction:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out a sheet of aluminum foil that is roughly 8 inches longer than the filet. If your filet is larger/wider, you can crimp together two pieces of foil so you have more foil to work with. Spray with cooking oil.
  3. Place the trout filet in the center of the foil. Fold up all 4 sides of the foil. Season trout liberally with salt and pepper and then squeeze juice from half a lemon over the fish.
  4. Soften butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in fresh minced garlic and parsley. Spread over the trout until evenly coated with a thin layer. You can alternatively melt the butter and pour it over the fish. Top with a sliced lemon wheel.
  5. Fold the long sides of the foil over the trout, covering completely, and seal it tightly. Fold the ends over and seal into a closed packet. Place directly on oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake until cooked fully through, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Optional step: Open the foil exposing the top of the trout and broil for the last 1-2 minutes, for a browned top.

Baked Steelhead Trout – Simple and Delicious

FAQ

Do you cook steelhead trout the same as salmon?

Although they are different, steelhead trout and salmon can be used interchangeably in most recipes. They have a similar flavor and texture. If you’re using salmon, you might need to cook it just a few minutes longer.

What does steelhead trout taste like?

Steelhead Salmon are a fabulous fish! They have orange flesh like Salmon, but the flavor is milder like a cross between salmon & trout. The flesh has medium flakes and a tender texture. To me, wild Steelhead have a bit more “intense” salmon taste than farmed Steelhead.

Is steelhead trout a good fish to eat?

It is rich in lean protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids while containing a low level of contaminants like mercury, pesticides, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. Steelhead is one of the best fish to grill and tastes great broiled or roasted.

Does steelhead trout have a lot of bones?

There are approximately 262 or so bones that people must fish through when eating just one rainbow trout, or in the case of its sea-run counterpart, a steelhead. I have often heard that the best meat on a trout is next to the bone.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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