Introduction
Get ready for an incredible grilled Spanish trout with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, finished with a rich hazelnut sauce. The Arteflame grill sears the fish beautifully while locking in juices, making this a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. This recipe brings out bold, smoky flavors and a nutty finish that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and citrus. Perfect for any occasion, let's dive into the best method for grilling whole trout on the Arteflame.
Ingredients
- 2 whole trouts, cleaned and gutted
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place them in the Arteflame grill and stack firewood on top.
- Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to heat the grill for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat top is evenly heated.
Step 2: Prepare the trout
- Pat the trout dry with paper towels.
- Rub the inside and outside with melted butter.
- Season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Stuff each trout with fresh parsley, thyme, and a few capers.
Step 3: Sear the trout
- Place the trout on the center grill grate for 1-2 minutes per side to get a perfect sear.
- Once seared, move the trout to the flat griddle cooktop, closer to the outer edge, to continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Step 4: Prepare the hazelnut sauce
- On the flat griddle, drizzle olive oil and add minced shallots and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped hazelnuts and toast them lightly.
- Stir in sherry vinegar, honey, and additional melted butter.
- Remove from heat and mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Remove the trout from the grill when it reaches 130°F (it will keep cooking to 145°F).
- Drizzle the hazelnut sauce over the trout.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Always remove the trout from the grill 15°F below the desired internal temperature.
- For extra smoky flavors, use cherry or apple wood when grilling.
- Butter adds a rich flavor—never substitute with oil.
Variations
- Garlic Herb Trout: Replace smoked paprika with extra garlic and rosemary for a savory, fragrant twist.
- Spicy Spanish Trout: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
- Citrus Infused Trout: Marinate the trout in orange and lime juice before grilling for a zesty, fresh taste.
- Almond Butter Trout: Substitute hazelnuts with slivered almonds and add a touch of almond butter to the sauce.
- Sherry Glazed Trout: Baste the trout with a sherry reduction while grilling for an intense, sweet-savory depth.
Conclusion
Grilling whole trout on the Arteflame brings out incredible flavors while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The perfect sear, combined with a rich hazelnut sauce, creates a Spanish-inspired dish you'll want to make again and again. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, and enjoy the unbeatable taste of an open-fire grilled masterpiece.
Best Pairings
- Grilled asparagus with lemon and garlic
- Butter-seared potatoes
- Spanish-style saffron rice
- White wine, such as Albariño
- Fresh tomato and herb salad