Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This Baked Trout with Fennel is not just a recipe—it's a flavor journey that combines the delicate, buttery texture of fresh trout with the subtle, sweet notes of roasted fennel. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive, tastes extraordinary, and requires minimal cooking skills.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 trout fillets
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Prepare the fennel by trimming the fronds and cutting the bulb into thin, uniform slices. Discard the tough core at the bottom of the bulb.
- Pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better roast and prevents steaming.
- Lightly brush a large baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread the sliced fennel evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a bed for the trout fillets.
- Season the trout fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Arrange the trout fillets on top of the fennel slices, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish and fennel, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange lemon slices on and around the trout fillets to infuse citrus flavor during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs before serving for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, with the roasted fennel as a side.
Tips
- Always pat your trout fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crisp exterior.
- Choose fresh, high-quality trout for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish—give each fillet enough space to cook evenly.
- Use fresh lemon slices to add brightness and help prevent the fish from drying out.
- Let the fish rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Fresh dill isn't just a garnish—it adds a beautiful aromatic dimension to the dish.
- If you're unsure about doneness, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 156kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
