Grilled Connecticut River Trout with Lemon Herb Butter

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about cooking fresh catch over an open fire, especially when that catch is a beautiful Connecticut River Trout. Whether you have spent the morning wading in the cool currents or simply picked up the freshest selection from your local fishmonger, trout demands a cooking method that respects its delicate texture while enhancing its natural flavor. Grilling fish can often be intimidating due to sticking or falling apart, but the Arteflame’s solid carbon steel cooktop changes the game entirely. It provides the perfect surface to sear the skin to a golden crisp without sacrificing the tender, flaky meat inside.

This recipe focuses on simplicity and quality ingredients. The trout is the star, accentuated by a homemade lemon herb butter that melts lusciously over the hot fish, seeping into the scored flesh. The smokiness from the wood fire, combined with the bright citrus and fresh herbs, creates a dining experience that feels both rustic and gourmet. It is the perfect meal to celebrate the outdoors and the joy of wood-fired cooking.

Ingredients

For the Trout

• 2 whole Connecticut River Trout (cleaned and gutted, heads on or off based on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or grapeseed oil for high heat)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for grilling alongside)

For the Lemon Herb Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Herb Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sea salt.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Spoon the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape and twist the ends to seal. Place it in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the grill and fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Trout

1. Rinse the trout under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal shallow slashes on each side of the fish. This helps the fish cook evenly and allows the seasoning and butter to penetrate the meat.
3. Brush the trout generously with olive oil inside and out. Season the cavity and the skin liberally with Kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop reaches a searing temperature.
2. Ideally, you want to cook the trout on the flat cooktop surface, slightly away from the direct center flame, where the heat is medium-high (around 400°F to 450°F).
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface where you intend to place the fish to ensure it is seasoned and ready.

Step 4: Grill the Trout

1. Place the trout on the hot flat top surface. You should hear an immediate sizzle. Place the lemon slices on the grill nearby to caramelize.
2. Let the trout cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. Do not try to move it too early; the skin will naturally release from the steel once it is crisp and caramelized.
3. Carefully flip the trout using a wide metal spatula. Grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the fish is cooked through, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
2. While the trout is still piping hot, slice rounds of your chilled lemon herb butter and place them directly on top of the fish.
3. Allow the butter to melt over the crispy skin and into the scored meat. Serve immediately with the grilled lemon slices on the side.

Tips

Grilling fish requires a balance of heat and patience. One of the most common mistakes is moving the fish before the skin has had a chance to sear. On the Arteflame, the carbon steel cooktop acts similarly to a cast-iron skillet. If you try to lift the fish and it feels stuck, wait another minute; it will release on its own when the Maillard reaction is complete. Also, ensure your fire is mature before cooking. You want consistent heat from the steel, not billowing smoke from fresh wood, which can overpower the delicate flavor of the trout.

If you are worried about the fish curling up while cooking, you can place a cast-iron grill press or a heavy spatula on top of the fish for the first minute of searing. This maximizes contact with the flat top, ensuring that the skin gets universally crispy rather than steaming in pockets. Finally, always bring your butter to room temperature before mixing your compound butter to ensure the herbs and citrus incorporate evenly.

Variations

While the classic lemon herb butter is a timeless pairing for river trout, the versatility of the Arteflame allows for various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different regional cuisines or personal taste preferences. Here are a few delicious variations to try during your next cookout:

• Trout Amandine Style: Add toasted sliced almonds to the brown butter sauce and pour over the fish just before serving for a nutty crunch.
• Cajun Kick: Swap the lemon herb seasoning for a Cajun spice rub and finish with a lime-infused butter instead of lemon.
• Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap the center of the trout in thin slices of bacon before grilling. The bacon fat bastes the fish as it cooks.
• Asian Fusion: Glaze the trout with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the final minute of cooking, topping with scallions.
• Garlic Lover's: Roast whole garlic cloves on the flat top while the fish cooks, mash them into a paste, and spread over the fish.

Best pairings

A beautifully grilled trout deserves sides that complement its richness without overshadowing it. Since you already have the Arteflame hot, utilize the flat top to cook your entire meal outdoors. The flat surface is excellent for vegetables that might fall through the grates of a traditional grill. Keep the sides simple and fresh to maintain the rustic elegance of the meal.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss with olive oil and lemon zest, then grill on the flat top until charred and tender.
• Smashed Fingerling Potatoes: Boil them beforehand, then smash them onto the oiled flat top to get them ultra-crispy.
• Charred Cherry Tomatoes: Grill clusters of tomatoes on the vine until they burst, creating a natural sauce.
• White Wine: A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the butter perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilling Connecticut River Trout on the Arteflame is more than just preparing dinner; it is about connecting with the ingredients and the process of cooking with fire. The result is a dish that highlights the natural bounty of the river, elevated by the smoky sear of the grill and the bright, creamy finish of the lemon herb butter. It is a meal that looks impressive but is deceptively simple to execute.

We hope this recipe inspires you to take your fresh catch to the backyard and experiment with the versatility of flat-top grilling. Whether you stick to the classic herb butter or try one of the spicy variations, the combination of fresh fish and wood fire is unbeatable. Gather your friends, pour some wine, and enjoy the authentic flavors of the outdoors.