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Ingredients
- 4 whole trout (cleaned, with heads removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges for an extra zing
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Trout
- Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
- Clean and Pat Dry: Rinse the trout thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a good sear on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Olive Oil: Add olive oil to the spice mixture and stir until it forms a paste.
Step 3: Season the Trout
- Rub the Fish: Using a brush or your hands, coat the trout inside and out with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Stuff with Lemon: Place a few slices of lemon inside each fish cavity for extra flavor and moisture during grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Trout
- Oil the Grill Grate: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Fish: Place the trout on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional Grill Marks: For those beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the fish too much while cooking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once off the grill, garnish the trout with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon or lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.
Tips for the Best Spicy Grilled Trout
- Control the Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
- Use Fresh Trout: Freshly caught or high-quality trout will yield the best results. Check your local fish market or grocery store.
- Try Foil Wrapping: For a cleaner grill, you can place the trout on a piece of foil while cooking to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Grilled Trout pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, a side of rice, or a fresh green salad. It’s also delicious alongside a cucumber-yogurt sauce or a scoop of guacamole to cool down the spice.
Final Thoughts
With its smoky, spicy kick and tender, flaky texture, this Spicy Grilled Trout is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a novice, this easy recipe will give you delicious results every time. So fire up that grill and enjoy the bold flavors of this spicy trout—it’s a dish that’ll keep everyone coming back for more! 🎣