Pan-Fried Trout with Shallots and Lemon Butter
Servings 3 servings
Ingredients
- 3 whole trout cleaned
- 2 shallots sliced
- 2 lemons divided
- fresh parsley
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 tbsp butter divided
- kosher salt and pepper
- boiled potatoes to serve
Instructions
- Rinse the trout and pat dry. Thinly slice one of the lemons. Sprinkle the inside of each trout with kosher salt and pepper. Stuff each trout with thin slices of lemon and shallot and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. Tie the trout in two places with twine to keep the filling inside.
- Add the flour to a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each trout in the flour. Shake off the excess flour and set aside. Discard flour.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling add the trout to the pan.
- Allow the trout to fry slowly on one side until the skin is well browned and crispy, about 4 to 6 minutes. Then carefully flip the trout over onto the other side.
- Push the trout to one side of the pan if possible. Add in the remaining sliced shallots and allow to fry while the trout finishes cooking. Toss the shallots occasionally so they brown evenly.
- The trout is done when both sides are well browned and crispy and the fish has an internal temperature over 165 deg F. Transfer the cooked trout to a platter and make the lemon butter sauce.
- After removing the cooked trout, lay the remaining lemon slices in the cast iron skillet. Let them fry until browned and softened.
- Add the remaining 3 tbsp butter to the pan and allow to melt. Toss with the fried shallots and lemon slices. Add the juice of the remaining lemon to the pan and stir to combine with the butter. Season with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper.
- To serve the trout you can either return the fish to the skillet or leave on the serving platter and pour the sauce along with the shallots and lemon slices over the fish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with a side of boiled potatoes if desired and enjoy!