Honey Baked Steelhead Trout

This Honey Baked Steelhead Trout is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that come together quickly for an easy and satisfying dinner. The fish is marinated in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, and spices, then baked to tender perfection. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion when you want something light and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory soy sauce creates a marinade that infuses the steelhead trout with a depth of flavor. The fish comes out tender and flaky, and with the added touch of melted butter and a squeeze of lemon, each bite is incredibly delicious. This dish takes only 30 minutes to make, with just a little prep and baking time, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 Steelhead trout (about 2 pounds)

• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Marinade:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Marinate the Fish:

1. Place the steelhead trout in a large dish and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet by placing a couple of pieces of aluminum foil onto it, slightly overlapping.

Bake the Fish:

1. Place the trout fillet onto the foil and crinkle the edges to form a boat to hold the marinade.

2. Pour any leftover marinade over the fish evenly.

3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) and it flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Step for Crispiness:

1. For a crispy top, turn your oven to broil on high for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve:

1. Remove the fish from the oven, drizzle the melted butter over it, and serve with extra lemon slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley, dill, or thyme over the fish before serving for an added burst of flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more heat.

• Add Vegetables: Roast some vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots alongside the fish on the baking sheet for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover honey baked steelhead trout can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the fish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the texture may be less crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, you can substitute steelhead trout with other firm fish like salmon, cod, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

2. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and stir well before using.

3. How do I know when the fish is done?

The fish is done when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and it flakes easily with a fork.

4. Can I grill the steelhead trout instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the fish! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the fish for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

5. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if needed. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to taste.

6. Can I use honey substitutes?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

7. How should I serve this fish?

This honey baked steelhead trout pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

8. Can I freeze the fish?

You can freeze the cooked fish for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently warm it in the oven.

9. How can I make the fish crispier?

For an extra crispy texture, broil the fish during the last few minutes of baking, or coat the fish with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy crust.

10. Can I marinate the fish overnight?

Yes, marinating the fish overnight will enhance the flavor even more, as the fish will absorb the marinade deeply.

Conclusion

This Honey Baked Steelhead Trout is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce, this fish turns out perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful every time. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and full of delicious flavor!

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