Trout Almondine: The Ultimate French-Inspired Seafood Classic

Key Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-4

Difficulty: Easy

Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free Option

Equipment Needed

• 10-inch skillet
• Fish spatula
• Paper towels
• Measuring tools
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

• 2 rainbow trout fillets (5-10 oz each)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Chef Tips

• Pat fish completely dry before cooking
• Use medium-high heat for a perfect sear
• Watch butter carefully to prevent burning
• Almonds burn quickly – constant attention required

Method

1. Toast almonds in dry skillet until golden (2-3 minutes)
2. Pat trout fillets dry; season with salt and pepper
3. Lightly dredge fillets in flour, shaking off excess
4. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat
5. Sear trout skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until crispy
6. Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes
7. Remove fish; wipe pan clean
8. Melt butter, add almonds
9. Brown butter until golden and nutty (2-5 minutes)
10. Add lemon juice and parsley
11. Pour sauce over fish immediately

Crucial Cooking Notes

• Fish is done when:
  • Opaque throughout
  • Flakes easily with fork
  • Internal temp reaches 135-145°F

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour
• Dairy-free: Substitute olive oil for butter
• Add capers for extra tang
• Try with different mild white fish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan
• Not drying fish before cooking
• Burning butter/almonds
• Overcooking fish

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 2 days
• Best reheated gently in skillet
• Sauce may separate when chilled

Nutrition Spotlight

• High protein
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Good source of vitamin E
• Low-carb friendly

Perfect Pairings

• Roasted asparagus
• Light spring salad
• Crisp white wine
• Crusty French bread

Chef’s Final Word

Trout Almondine isn’t just a recipe – it’s a celebration of simple, elegant cooking. Master this dish, and you’ll impress anyone at your table.