Grilled Trout
This grilled trout is made effortlessly on the grill with SO MANY Tips and tricks to grill fish without it sticking. We learned the hard way how to grill fish. But once we got it, we can never look back! Grilled trout and any grilled fish is impeccably delicious, so read along for all the tips to perfect it!
Ingredients
- 6 pieces of Rainbow Trout Fillets unpacked and defrosted
- 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper or to taste
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 6 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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Remove the Rainbow trout fillets from the packaging and let the fish defrost at room temperature for 2 hours (or in the fridge overnight).
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Start by cleaning the grill grates. Take a piece of aluminum foil and scrunch it into a ball, then use tongs to rub any food sticking on the grill.
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To oil the grill grates, use a kitchen towel dabbed in oil, and using the same tongs, rub the oiled paper towel over the grill.
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Season the fish very well with oil on both sides along with the seasoning.
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Make sure you use dry spices only—do not use wet marinades for grilling fish.
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Once the fillets are oiled and seasoned, you can grill them directly or use a grill basket.
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If using a grill basket, make sure to spray it with oil inside and out before placing it on the grill.
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Preheat the grill to high.
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Place the fish skin side down on the hot grill.
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Avoid flipping the fish at all costs.
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It’s best to use a long fish spatula for flipping the fish, one with hard, thin silicone edges.
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Let the skin crisp up first, and it will slowly retract from the grill. At that point it will be easier to flip.
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Flip the fillets and continue to grill until the other side is charred and also removes easily from the grill.
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When flipping the fish, avoid scratching or removing the entire fish one go from the grill. Rather go with the spatula on an angle under the grill crate gently to get a good grip of the fish first, then flip.
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The fish fillets need about 7-8 minutes grilling per side.
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If using a grill basket, oil it will and place the fish fillets in the basket. Close it and place the basket on the grill for 8 minutes, then flip it on the other side using the handle.
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Once cooked, serve the grilled rainbow trout with some cilantro lime rice and a tablespoon of mango salsa.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Tips For the Perfect Grilled Trout Recipe
- Clean the grates of your grill. Any debris of leftover foods will stick on to your fillets and make it stick.
- To clean, rub the grates with an onion cut in half, a BBQ brush or a piece of aluminum foil clumped into a ball.
- Make sure to oil the grates after they're cleaned. It's best to do so by oiling a kitchen paper towel and rubbing it over the grill grates.
- Season the trout with dry spice only. Avoid using chunky marinades with buts of garlic or ginger or onion or hebs etc. And likewise avoid liquid marinades that contain lemon juice or any liquid.
- Oil the fish really well. Like REALLY well on both sides.
- Make sure your grill is SUPER hot before placing the fish.
- Place the fish skin side down.
- Wait until the skin starts to pull out of the grill grates, this will be your clue to flip.
- Use the correct spatula. It's best to use a spatula that has a slim tip with a silicone coat.
- When flipping the trout on the grill, remove the fish from each grate carefully rather than swiftly flipping. Go on between the grates and push the fish away using your spatula. Continue cooking the other side on high heat as well.
- If you're doubtful or have a very thin fillet, or a dry type of fish, use a grill basket.
- Make sure you oil the grill basket on both sides, inside and out. Use an oil spray as it spreads the oil better on all the surface.
- Season and oil the fish as above.
- Place the fillets in the middle of the grill basket and place the whole basket on the grill. You can put it over the grates or remove the grates and have the grill basket over direct flames.
- Flip and continue cooking over high heat.
- Let the fish remain in the grill basket for about 2 minutes before removing it to avoid sticking.
- Serve the grill trout with your favorite sides and enjoy!
What does Trout taste like? What is the difference between Trout and salmon?
Rainbow trout has a taste similar to salmon, but much milder and less richer in fish flavor. Salmon can live in lake and ocean water while trout mainly stays in lake water. You'll also notice the salmon has usually a thicker fillet compared to the trout.
How Do you tell when grilled Trout is done?
If you have a thermometer, you're aiming at about 140-145 degrees F. Otherwise watch the color of the fish as it turns opaque, and firm to the touch.
Can I grill a whole fish?
ABSOLUTELY yes! It's in fact delicious and much easier than fillets. You can follow the same tutorial here, use a grill basket or place the skin directly on the grill. Flip as above. The difference is here, since it's a thick fish, you want to make sure it cooks through. The high heat will ensure it doesn't stick, and will offer a crisp skin. To ensure the whole fish is cooked, you may opt to wrap it in foil once flipped on both sides, or lower the grill heat after both sides have crisped up.