Quick & Easy Oven Baked Trout Recipe
This Quick & Easy Oven Baked Trout Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining fresh trout with simple herbs and lemon for a healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free meal. Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup, it features crispy skin and tender, flaky fish that can be customized to your taste.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh trout fillets (skin-on, about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon capers
- Preheat the oven and prepare the trout: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the trout fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up when baked. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then drizzle olive oil over the skin and flesh, spreading evenly.
- Add herbs, garlic, and lemon: Place the fresh herbs and thin lemon slices directly onto the trout fillets. Nestle the smashed garlic cloves nearby or on top of the fillets to infuse the fish with aromatic flavor during baking.
- Bake the trout: Arrange the fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet or in a lined roasting pan, spacing them to avoid overcrowding. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the trout flakes easily with a fork and the skin is crisp and golden. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Serve immediately: Carefully remove the fillets from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use fresh trout for best flavor and texture; buy and cook the same day whenever possible.
- Dry the trout skin well to achieve a crispy finish when baked.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space around each fillet for even cooking and browning.
- Allow the trout to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 trout fillet (about 6-8 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: oven baked trout, quick trout recipe, healthy fish dinner, easy fish recipe, gluten free fish meal, baked trout fillets, weeknight dinner