Authentic Spanish Grilled Whole Trout with Hazelnut Picada

There is something undeniably primal yet sophisticated about cooking a whole fish over an open fire. This Spanish Grilled Whole Trout recipe transports the rustic elegance of Northern Spain’s river valleys directly to your backyard. The secret lies not just in the freshness of the catch, but in the unique cooking capabilities of the Arteflame grill. Unlike traditional grates that risk tearing delicate fish skin, the Arteflame’s solid carbon steel cooktop provides a consistent, high-heat sear that creates a golden, crispy exterior while steaming the meat to succulent perfection inside.

The dish is elevated by a classic Picada-style hazelnut sauce. This isn't just a garnish; it is a rich, textural element made from toasted nuts, fried bread, and garlic that bridges the gap between the smoky char of the fish and the sweet tenderness of the meat. Whether you are hosting a summer dinner party or looking to expand your grilling repertoire, this recipe delivers visually stunning results with surprisingly simple preparation. It captures the essence of Mediterranean dining: few ingredients, high quality, and fire-kissed flavor.

Ingredients

For the Trout

• 4 whole trout, cleaned and gutted (approx. 10-12 oz each)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• Fresh parsley sprigs (for stuffing)

For the Hazelnut Sauce (Picada)

• 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts
• 2 slices of rustic bread (crust removed)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start your fire in the center of the Arteflame grill using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 600°F) and the outer flat cooktop reaches a medium-high searing temperature (around 400°F-450°F).
2. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick grilling experience.

Step 2: Prepare the Hazelnut Base

1. Place the hazelnuts and the bread slices on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Toast the nuts until golden brown and fragrant, moving them frequently to prevent burning. Simultaneously, fry the bread in a little olive oil on the griddle until crisp and golden.
3. Remove the nuts and bread. In a mortar and pestle (or food processor), crush the garlic, toasted hazelnuts, fried bread, and fresh parsley into a coarse paste.
4. Stir in the olive oil and sherry vinegar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to let flavors meld.

Step 3: Prep the Trout

1. Rinse the trout under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
2. Generously brush the outside of the fish with olive oil. Season the skin and the cavity with sea salt and black pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity of each fish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of parsley.

Step 4: Grill the Fish

1. Place the trout directly onto the hot flat cooktop surface of the Arteflame.
2. Let the fish sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. You will know it is ready to flip when the skin releases naturally from the metal without sticking.
3. Carefully flip the trout using a long spatula. Grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Plating and Serving

1. Remove the trout from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
2. Immediately spoon the hazelnut picada sauce generously over the hot fish.
3. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Tips

Mastering whole fish on the Arteflame is easier than you might think, but temperature management is key. Because the cooktop has different heat zones, you have complete control. Start the fish closer to the center to get that initial hard sear on the skin, then slide it toward the cooler outer edge to finish cooking the inside without burning the exterior. This technique ensures the trout remains moist and doesn't dry out. Always ensure your fish is room temperature before grilling; taking it out of the fridge 20 minutes prior allows for even cooking.

Regarding the sauce, texture is everything. While a food processor is faster, using a traditional mortar and pestle releases the oils from the hazelnuts and garlic more effectively, resulting in a more aromatic sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. The sauce can be made an hour ahead, which actually helps the garlic mellow and the flavors marry beautifully.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable based on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. While hazelnuts offer a classic, buttery profile, you can easily substitute them with almonds for a sharper crunch or walnuts for a earthier, slightly bitter note that pairs well with the sweet trout. For a smokier profile, add a pinch of smoked paprika (pimentón) to the sauce mixture.

• Trucha a la Navarra Style: Insert a slice of Serrano ham inside the cavity along with the lemon for a salty, savory infusion.
• Citrus Herb: Replace the sherry vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest to the pestle for a brighter, lighter sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a small dried chili or red pepper flakes to the garlic mash for a subtle heat that cuts through the rich oils.
• Gluten-Free: Omit the fried bread and increase the amount of nuts to maintain the thick texture of the sauce without the gluten.
• Different Fish: If trout is unavailable, this method works perfectly with whole Branzino or Red Snapper.

Best pairings

Spanish cuisine is all about balance, and this rich, nutty fish dish deserves beverages and sides that can cut through the oil while complementing the smoky flavor. A crisp, high-acid white wine is non-negotiable here. A Spanish Albariño or a dry Txakoli from the Basque region offers effervescence and citrus notes that cleanse the palate between bites. If you prefer beer, a light, cold lager or a pilsner works wonders against the char of the grill.

For side dishes, keep it simple to let the trout shine. Blistered Padrón peppers, easily cooked on the Arteflame alongside the fish, are a traditional and colorful accompaniment. Alternatively, serve with Patatas Bravas or a simple salad of arugula and fennel dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens contrast beautifully with the sweet, nutty flavors of the fish and sauce.

Conclusion

Grilling whole trout on the Arteflame is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that celebrates ingredient purity and the joy of outdoor cooking. The combination of the crispy, salty skin and the rich, complex hazelnut sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and gourmet. It is a dish that looks incredibly impressive on the table yet requires minimal effort to execute flawlessly.

By utilizing the Arteflame’s versatility, you turn a simple freshwater fish into a centerpiece worthy of any Spanish taberna. We hope this recipe inspires you to gather friends and family around the fire, break bread, and enjoy the timeless flavors of Spain. Once you try this method, you may never go back to cooking fish fillets again.