Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Romania with this mouthwatering baked trout recipe that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a professional kitchen! Imagine a perfectly cooked fish, infused with fragrant dill and zesty lemon, that practically melts in your mouth with every single bite. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms a simple trout into a restaurant-quality masterpiece right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Romanian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole trout
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Clean the whole trout thoroughly, removing any scales, innards, and gills. Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 diagonal shallow cuts on each side of the trout to help it cook evenly and absorb seasonings.
- Season the inside and outside of the fish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly.
- Stuff the fish cavity with fresh dill sprigs and 2-3 lemon slices, allowing the herbs and citrus to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Brush a baking dish or sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and place the prepared trout in the dish.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish, coating it lightly to help create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Arrange additional lemon slices on top and around the fish for extra flavor and presentation.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve hot with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Tips
- • Always use the freshest trout possible - the quality of your fish determines the final taste. • Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior. • Don't skip making diagonal cuts on the fish - this helps even cooking and seasoning penetration. • Use fresh dill and lemon for maximum flavor infusion. • Let the fish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness. • If you're unsure about doneness, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. • Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
