Description
This baked trout recipe features whole trout seasoned with fresh thyme and lemon, complemented by a refreshing fennel, radish, and rocket salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The fish is baked until tender and flaky, making for a light and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 2 whole trout, scaled and gutted
- ½ bunch thyme
- 2 lemons, 1 sliced, 1 juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
- Salt and pepper, to season
Salad
- 1 large bulb fennel, finely sliced
- 100g radishes, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp capers, chopped
- Large handful of rocket
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Trout: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Slash the skin of the trout three times on each side, then insert a branch of thyme into each slash to infuse flavor.
- Stuff and Season the Trout: Place the trout on a baking sheet. Fill the cavity with lemon slices and remaining thyme sprigs. Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake the Trout: Bake the trout in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Prepare the Salad Dressing: While the fish is baking, combine the juice of one lemon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the finely sliced fennel and let it stand for 10 minutes to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: After 10 minutes, stir in the finely sliced radishes and chopped capers into the fennel. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Salad: Just before serving, mix the rocket leaves through the fennel and radish salad to add freshness and texture.
- Serve: Serve the baked trout alongside generous portions of the fennel, radish, and rocket salad. Flake the trout into big pieces to enjoy with the salad.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh lemon thyme if regular thyme is not available for a similar aroma.
- If preferred, fillets can be used instead of whole trout, but cooking time may be shorter.
- Make sure not to overbake the trout to keep it moist and tender.
- The salad can be prepared ahead but add the rocket just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Optional: drizzle extra olive oil over the salad for richer flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: baked trout, fennel salad, radish salad, rocket salad, lemon thyme trout, healthy fish recipe, baked fish with salad
