Crispy-skinned, pan-fried trout fillets cook in minutes, making them a great option for weeknight dinners.

How to Pan-Sear Trout: Easy Pan-Seared Trout Recipe

Rainbow trout are the most commonly available type of trout, and they have a slightly nutty flavor and delicate texture. Large lake trout are less common commercially, so you may have to fish for them yourself; they have a mild, slightly gamey flavor and succulent texture. Arctic char, a type of trout farmed in Iceland and Canada, can have just as much fat as salmon, giving it a richer flavor that’s perfect with a little salt and lemon juice.

Pan-seared trout makes for an excellent main course that goes well with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Drizzle seared trout with [Argentinian chimichurri sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/healthy-quick-and-easy-chimichurri-recipe), [Italian salsa verde](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-italian-salsa-verde-recipe), Mexican salsa verde, or Greek <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-greek-tzatziki' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-greek-tzatziki","linkCopy":"tzatziki","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>tzatziki</a> sauce. Or, if you cook trout with a few fresh herb sprigs and thinly sliced garlic cloves, you can make a quick butter sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine, let the wine reduce by about half and then swirl in a few tablespoons of butter off the heat. Garnish your trout with fresh lemon slices or lemon wedges and maybe a parmesan crisp. Round out the meal with vegetables—a parsnip purée, pomme purée, [arugula avocado salad](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/arugula-avocado-salad-recipe-with-tangy-lemon-vinaigrette), or sautéed asparagus.

Crispy-skinned, pan-fried trout fillets cook in minutes, making them a great option for weeknight dinners.

Rainbow trout are the most commonly available type of trout, and they have a slightly nutty flavor and delicate texture. Large lake trout are less common commercially, so you may have to fish for them yourself; they have a mild, slightly gamey flavor and succulent texture. Arctic char, a type of trout farmed in Iceland and Canada, can have just as much fat as salmon, giving it a richer flavor that’s perfect with a little salt and lemon juice.

What Does Trout Taste Like?

Pan-seared trout makes for an excellent main course that goes well with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Drizzle seared trout with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/healthy-quick-and-easy-chimichurri-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/healthy-quick-and-easy-chimichurri-recipe","linkCopy":"Argentinian chimichurri sauce","category":null}'>Argentinian chimichurri sauce</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-italian-salsa-verde-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-italian-salsa-verde-recipe","linkCopy":"Italian salsa verde","category":null}'>Italian salsa verde</a>, Mexican salsa verde, or Greek <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-greek-tzatziki' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-greek-tzatziki","linkCopy":"tzatziki","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>tzatziki</a> sauce. Or, if you cook trout with a few fresh herb sprigs and thinly sliced garlic cloves, you can make a quick butter sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine, let the wine reduce by about half and then swirl in a few tablespoons of butter off the heat. Garnish your trout with fresh lemon slices or lemon wedges and maybe a parmesan crisp. Round out the meal with vegetables—a parsnip purée, pomme purée, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/arugula-avocado-salad-recipe-with-tangy-lemon-vinaigrette' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/arugula-avocado-salad-recipe-with-tangy-lemon-vinaigrette","linkCopy":"arugula avocado salad","category":null}'>arugula avocado salad</a>, or sautéed asparagus.

What to Serve With Pan-Seared Trout

Easy Pan-Seared Trout Recipe

Crispy-skinned, pan-fried trout fillets cook in minutes, making them a great option for weeknight dinners.

Crispy-skinned, pan-fried trout fillets cook in minutes, making them a great option for weeknight dinners.
