Introduction
Trout might just be the perfect fish for the grill, and with fresh Sierra Nevada trout, you're already off to a great start. The Arteflame’s blazing hot center grate gives you the power to instantly sear the skin to perfection while the steel flat-top lets you bring everything to the perfect doneness. In this recipe, we’ll show you how easy and delicious it is to make lemon-herb stuffed grilled trout entirely on the Arteflame grill—crispy skin, juicy interior, and pure flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 whole fresh-caught trout, gutted and cleaned
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill
- Place 3 paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill and pour a little vegetable oil on them.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the paper and let the fire establish—ready to grill in about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Trout
- Rinse and pat dry the trout.
- Season the inside with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each trout with lemon slices, parsley, dill, thyme, and optional garlic slices.
- Rub the outside of the trout with softened butter for that rich golden sear.
Step 3: Sear the Trout
- Place the trout skin-side down on the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
- Sear for about 1-2 minutes until the skin crisps and chars slightly—this locks in their juices.
Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop
- Gently move the fish onto the hot area of the steel griddle cooktop.
- Let cook for another 4-6 minutes per side, depending on size.
- Use a thermometer and remove the fish from the grill when it reaches 130°F (target is 145°F).
- Rest the fish for 5 minutes while carryover heat brings it up to perfect doneness.
Tips
- Always sear skin-side down first for best texture.
- Use butter instead of olive oil—richer flavor and better browning.
- Place fish near the center of the griddle for higher heat; edge for gentler finishing.
- No need to flip frequently; golden skin comes from undisturbed searing.
- Use herbs with high oil content (like thyme and dill) for best grilled aroma.
Variations
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Garlic Butter Trout: Add minced garlic to the butter before rubbing on the fish for rich, aromatic flavor.
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Spicy Southwest Trout: Sprinkle inside with chili flakes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime before grilling.
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Citrus Herb Medley: Use orange and lime slices along with lemon and add rosemary for a citrus-forward twist.
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Asian Trout: Stuff with ginger slices, lemongrass, and splash of soy sauce right before grilling.
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Smoky Paprika Trout: Rub fish with smoked paprika and fill with charred scallions and lemon.
Best pairings
- Grilled asparagus or broccolini cooked on the flat top in butter
- Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic on the outer edge
- Charred lemon halves for an extra squeeze of acidity
- White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or chilled Rosé
- Fresh sourdough grilled directly on the Arteflame for a crispy edge
Conclusion
With the Arteflame grill and fresh Nevada trout, you can unlock flavor like never before. The combination of direct searing and temperature-controlled griddling ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and crisped to perfection. Plus, grilling with minimal tools and no cleanup makes this a win-win barbecue favorite.