Seared Sea Trout Fillets

Seared Sea Trout Fillets are a delightful way to enjoy this rich, flavorful fish. With its delicate texture and slightly sweet taste, sea trout is ideal for a quick sear in a hot pan, which brings out its natural oils and creates a crispy skin. This dish can be paired with a light sauce or simply served with lemon and herbs for a simple, yet elegant meal.

Ingredients:

- 4 sea trout fillets (skin-on, about 150g each)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- 1 lemon, cut into wedges

- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)

- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   - Pat the sea trout fillets dry with paper towels, especially the skin side. This helps achieve a crispy skin when searing.

   - Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat the Pan:

   - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish (it should shimmer slightly).

3. Sear the Fillets:

   - Place the sea trout fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down. Sear for about 3-4 minutes, pressing gently on the fillets to ensure the skin makes contact with the pan and gets crispy.

   - Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be golden and crispy.

4. Optional Garlic and Caper Sauce:

   - If you want to add extra flavor, remove the fish from the pan once it’s cooked and set it aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and capers, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir. Pour this sauce over the fillets before serving.

5. Serve:

   - Transfer the sea trout fillets to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, tangy finish.

Tips:

- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking multiple fillets, make sure there’s enough space between them in the pan to prevent steaming. Cook in batches if necessary.

- Crispy Skin Tip: For an extra crispy skin, make sure the fillets are dry and the pan is hot before searing. Don’t move the fish too much once it’s in the pan.

- Side Suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

This Seared Sea Trout Fillets recipe offers a quick, healthy, and elegant dish. The crispy skin and tender flesh make it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy it with fresh lemon juice for a bright and flavorful finish!