Grilled Trout with Toasted Almonds and Orange Butter

This delightful dish brings together the sweet, nutty flavor of almonds with the refreshing tang of citrus, perfectly complementing the delicate taste of grilled trout. The recipe combines the richness of butter infused with orange zest and juice, enhancing the trout's flavor profile without overpowering it. Seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, the trout undergoes a brief marination, making it juicy and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy weekend dinner, offering a gourmet experience at home. Savory, with a hint of sweetness and a slight crunch from the almonds, it can be paired beautifully with a chilled white wine. Not only is it an eye-catching presentation with its vibrant colors, but it also promises a culinary journey with every bite. It's easy to prepare, taking under an hour from start to finish, which makes it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Serve it with steaming vegetables or a light salad to create a balanced meal. You'll impress your guests with this gourmet treat that tastes as great as it looks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

4 trout, cleaned
100g butter
50g almond slices
4 lemon wedges
2 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp lemon juice

Spices and Sauces:

Worcestershire sauce
Grated orange zest
Salt
Pepper

Other:

Flour
Oil
Fresh parsley

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Orange Butter: Start by beating the butter until smooth. Add the orange juice, orange zest, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Shape the mixture into a cylinder, wrap in cling film or baking paper, and refrigerate until firm.
Marinate the Trout: Rinse the cleaned trout and pat them dry. Rub them inside and out with the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Place fresh parsley inside each fish for added flavor. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Season the Fish: Once marinated, drain the trout and season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Lightly coat each fish in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Trout: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-coated trout and fry them for 8-10 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. The skin should be crispy, and the fish should flake easily with a fork.
Toast the Almonds: While the fish is cooking, melt 20g of the prepared orange butter in another pan. Add the almond slices and toast them quickly until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Serve the Dish: Place the cooked trout on a warmed serving plate. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the fish. Finish by adding dollops of the remaining orange butter and garnishing with lemon wedges.

Tips

Butter: If you prefer, replace butter with a non-dairy alternative for a lactose-free option.
Almonds: Substitute with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
Marination: For a stronger citrus flavor, extend the marination time up to an hour.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fats: 35g
Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour for a spicier crust.
Herbal Touch: Substitute parsley with dill or fennel for different herbal notes.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve with a light green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted potatoes.
Garnishes: Top with additional fresh herbs like chives or dill for extra freshness.
Beverage Pairing: Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Best Places

Le Bernardin - Renowned for its seafood, offering elegant dishes. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
Nobu - Fuses Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. Location: 19 Old Park Lane, London, UK.
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Estimar - Known for Galician seafood dishes. Location: Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers, Barcelona, Spain.
Chez Mou - Cozy bistro with a standout fish menu. Location: Av. Miguel Bombarda 113, Lisbon, Portugal.
Pescheria - Combines Italian classics with fresh seafood. Location: Piazza Erculea, Milan, Italy.
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MoVida - Celebrated for its tapas and seafood. Location: Hosier Ln, Melbourne, Australia.
Ortolan - High-end dining with an emphasis on seafood elegance. Location: Shin Hyeon Dong, Seoul, South Korea.