Baked Steelhead Trout

If you find yourself at Aldi, you must pick up a package of their steelhead trout. It’s delicious, topped with lemon and capers, and baked in the oven. I served it with an arugula salad, but roasted asparagus or sauteed string beans would also be great! Steelhead trout is similar in taste, color, and texture to salmon, and you can use salmon instead if that’s all you can find. Keep reading to see how to make this healthy steelhead trout recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Steelhead Trout Recipe

Delicious and Flavorful: Simple ingredients, like lemon, capers, and shallot, transform steelhead trout into a flavor-packed meal.
Healthy: Steelhead trout is a high-protein fish full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Anti-Inflammatory: Made with ingredients foods that reduce inflammation like fish, olive oil and lemon.
Easy: This dish looks impressive but is quite simple to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Great for many dietary restrictions: Mediterranean Diet friendly, Passover-friendly, Whole30, Anti-inflammatory, Gluten-free and Dairy-free.

Baked Steelhead Trout

Steelhead Trout Ingredients

Steelhead Trout: I found my steelhead trout filets at Aldi, but you should be able to find it at other supermarkets or a seafood market.
Olive Oil: Spread olive oil on the fish so the seasoning sticks.
Salt and Black Pepper: I keep it simple and season the trout with salt and pepper.
Aromatics: Mince 3 garlic cloves and chop chives or shallots.
Capers: Smash the capers to release their briny, tangy flavor.
Lemon: Zest half of a lemon and slice the other half into 4 pieces for a bright citrus taste. I also like to serve the trout with lemon wedges and squeeze the juice over the fish.

How to Cook Steelhead Trout

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the fish into 2 pieces and place them on a small baking sheet.
Season the Trout: Spread olive oil over the fish and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Top the fish with shallots (or chives), garlic, capers, lemon zest, and lemon slices.
How Long to Bake Steelhead Trout at 400°F: Bake the trout for 16 to 22 minutes, depending on its thickness, or until the center is opaque. It should flake easily with a fork.

Baked Steelhead Trout

Variations

Fish: Substitute salmon for trout.
Onions: If you don’t have chives or shallots, use the green parts of scallions.
Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs, like basil, tarragon, or dill.

What to Serve with Baked Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout is an easy protein that would go well with many side dishes.

Vegetables: Wilted Spinach, Roasted Mushrooms, Garlic Broccolini
Starches: This goes great with Smashed Potatoes, baked potato, or a simple grain like Quinoa
Salads: This spring Pea Salad, or this easy arugula salad or Hearts of Palm Salad, or a fancier Burrata Caprese Salad

Storage

Steelhead trout will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or eat it cold.

Steelhead Trout vs. Salmon FAQ

Does steelhead trout taste like salmon?

Steelhead trout tastes similar to salmon, but it’s milder and less fatty. So, if you’re not a salmon fan, you may love trout.

Can you cook steelhead the same way as salmon?

Yes, you can cook steelhead trout the same way you’d cook salmon. Besides baking it, you can also grill, air fry, or broil it.

What temperature should steelhead trout be cooked to?

Like most fish, steelhead trout filets should be cooked until its internal temperature is 145°F. I usually just check it with a fork to see if it’s flaky and opaque inside, but if you’re unsure, you can check it with a food thermometer.

Baked Steelhead Trout

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