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Spice-Rubbed Trout: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe

Looking for an easy yet impressive dish? This spice-rubbed trout recipe is packed with bold flavors, requires minimal preparation, and takes just minutes to cook. The fragrant spice blend pairs perfectly with the delicate fish, while quinoa and green beans add a wholesome touch.

Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish serves four and brings a burst of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors to your table.


Ingredients (Serves 4)

Trout
  • 4 whole trout (approx. 300g each), gutted and scaled
  • 1½ unwaxed lemons
  • 1 small bulb fennel, halved and finely sliced (reserve leafy tops)
  • Large handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
Quinoa & Green Beans
  • 200g quinoa
  • 250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1cm rounds
Spice Rub
  • 2 tbsp sumac
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • ½ tbsp ground ginger
  • ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Method of Cooking Spice-Rubbed Trout

1: Cook the Quinoa

  1. Rinse the quinoa well under running water.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the quinoa.
  3. Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2: Prepare the Spice Rub

  1. In a mortar and pestle, combine all the spices.
  2. Grind until fully blended.

3: Season the Trout

  1. Preheat the grill to high.
  2. Generously rub the spice mix all over the fish, inside and out.
  3. Line a baking tray with foil and lightly oil it.
  4. Arrange the trout on the tray.

4: Stuff the Fish

  1. Thinly slice one lemon.
  2. Fill the fish cavity with fennel, parsley, and lemon slices.

5: Grill the Trout

  1. Place the fish under the hot grill.
  2. Cook for 5-10 minutes per side, or until the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily.

6: Finish the Quinoa & Beans

  1. Two minutes before the quinoa is done, add the green beans to the pot.
  2. Drain and fluff the quinoa and beans with your hands.

7: Add Fresh Flavors

  1. Zest and juice the remaining ½ lemon.
  2. Toss the green beans with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, and a pinch of salt.

Serving Suggestions

  • For Sharing: Arrange the trout on a large serving platter. Scatter the quinoa and beans around the fish.
  • For Individual Plates: Serve each person a whole trout with a portion of quinoa and green beans.

Final Touches

  • Garnish with reserved fennel tops for a fresh, aromatic finish.
  • Pair with a big green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with bold spices
  • Simple ingredients, maximum flavor
  • Nutritious and balanced
  • Quick to prepare and cook

Enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless. Happy cooking!

Here’s another fish recipe you can try Thai Fish Cakes on Quinoa and share with us in the comments if you love it! To book a consultation with me for a personalized health plan, Click Here and I will see you soon in our session!