How to Cook Trout with Herb Vinaigrette

I caught a mess o’ trout recently and, while I typically release most of them, I decided to keep a couple for dinner this time around. I usually just wrap the fish in foil, add some lemon, butter, pepper and garlic and throw it on the barbie…you really can’t go wrong with that method…but I was just in the mood for something different. So, I checked in with our resident master game and fish chef, Scott Leysath.

Leysath, co-host of the popular TV show,“Hunt-Fish-Cook,” suggested doing the trout with a herb vinaigrette.?? He said you can bake, broil or pan-fry trout this way, but his favorite method is to throw it on the grill. Anyway, here’s how to impress your family, friends and taste buds:??

To make a four-serving meal, start with four one-pound trout (cleaned with the head on). You’ll also need:

• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
a pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup fresh chopped herbs

(On the herb front, go with whichever ones you like best or what’s in-season at the supermarket)

Prep

“First, butterfly the fish,” he says. “To butterfly, use a sharp boning knife and, starting at the head, run the knife between both sides and the spine. This will separate the bones from the spine and fish can be opened up flat. After cooking, the bones can be easily removed. Then, you’ll want to season fish with salt and pepper.”

Vinaigrette

After that, it’s time to make the herb vinaigrette. Scott says to combine your remaining ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Next, you’ll need to baste the fish with the vinaigrette mixture in the jar and let everything stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Grill Time!

“Place your fish, skin-side down on a medium heat barbecue,” he says. “Cover the fish with the lid or foil for five minutes, then baste again and give the fish a quarter turn with a spatula. Cover again and cook for five minutes more.?? At that point, your fish should be done throughout. If your trout turns out too dry, don’t blame the fish – you’ve overcooked it. When done, remove the bones and serve with your vinaigrette mixture on the side.”

Yum! I’ve tried several of his recipes and they’ve all been outstanding! For more innovate and tasty ways to cook your favorite fish and game, check out www.hunkfishcook.com

Also, try this one: How to Make Hatchery Trout Taste Good