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steelhead trout with scallions plated

10 Min Easy Pan Seared Steelhead Trout Recipe

This ten minute pan seared steelhead trout recipe is healthy and full of flavor. Pan searing is the way to go for crispy skin and delectable fish. Ten minutes is all you need for this very versatile steelhead trout recipe, which can be used for filet or whole fish, and dinner is served!
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Course: Dinner, Entree, fish, lunch, Main Course
Keyword: 10 minutes or less, easy, fish recipes, healthy, pan sear, steelhead trout
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 224kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet Carbon steel or cast iron pan
  • Wide and long metal spatula
  • Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Steelhead Trout Filet
  • tsp Garlic Powder
  • tsp Paprika
  • tsp Salt - or to taste
  • 2 tbsp high heat oil avocado, canola, coconut
  • dash Ginger Powder
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • Scallions garnish; optional
  • BBQ Sauce or Sauce of Choice for Basting optional

Instructions

  • Heat a carbon steel pan or cast iron pan over med-high heat, but do not allow the oil to smoke.
  • Add high heat tolerant oil once the pan is hot enough.
    2 tbsp high heat oil
  • Season the steelhead trout by sprinkling all the spices on top and salt.
    1 lb Steelhead Trout Filet, ⅛ tsp Garlic Powder, ⅛ tsp Paprika, ⅛ tsp Salt - or to taste, dash Ginger Powder, Black Pepper
    season fish
  • Lay the fish down in the hot pan, skin side down, with one movement. Do not move the fish. Fry the skin for three minutes. Lift the fish up with your spatula at minute two and allow the oil in the pan to go under the fish by tilting the pan.
  • After three minutes, slide your spatula under the fish filet and flip it. Do not move the fish. Pan sear the steelhead trout filet for three minutes. At minute two, lift the fish and allow the oils in the pan to go under the fish.
    BBQ Sauce or Sauce of Choice for Basting
    flip filet in pan with crispy skin
  • Flip the fish again and allow the skin to crisp up for two minutes. Baste the fish with sauce of choice, or dust salt and pepper to taste.
    pan seared steelhead trout
  • Using your spatula, remove the fish from the pan onto a serving platter and enjoy right away with your favorite sides or sauces.
    Scallions
    flaky meat of panseared steelhead trout

Notes

Do not move the fish! The pan has to be hot enough and also, if you move the fish too early it is going to stick. Let the skin cook through before lifting and sae when flipping it over.
Be sure the pan is hot. A good steel or iron pan is the best for fish that is pan seared. It gives that nice crispy skin and golden fry to the fish. Heat the pan enough, but just be sure it's not too high that the oil smokes.
If the oil smokes you will have a bitter taste and the oil is burning. Be sure to use high-heat tolerant oil.
Use a wide and long spatula or you risk breaking the fish if you have big filets.
 
Notes for Pan-Searing a Whole Fish
Preparation Tips
  • Clean and Dry: Ensure the fish is cleaned, descaled, and patted completely dry to achieve crispy skin.
  • Score the Skin: Make shallow slashes on both sides to prevent curling and ensure even cooking.
  • Season Generously: Rub extra salt, pepper, and optional spices or herbs (inside and out) for maximum flavor. The whole fish will require more seasoning.
Cooking Tips
  • Start Skin-Side Down: Cook skin-side down for most of the time to get it crispy and golden brown.
  • Minimal Turning: Flip only once to avoid tearing the delicate skin.
  • Basting Option: Spoon hot oil or butter over the fish while cooking for added flavor, even cooking, and moisture.
Timing and Heat
  • Moderate Heat: Too high can burn the skin; moderate heat ensures even cooking.
  • Cooking Time: About 4-5 minutes per side, depending on size and thickness.
  • Check for Doneness: Flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Finishing Touches
  • Rest the fish for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
10 Min Easy Pan Seared Steelhead Trout Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
224
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
88
mg
29
%
Sodium
 
79
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
549
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
0.1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
0.04
g
0
%
Sugar
 
0.01
g
0
%
Protein
 
31
g
62
%
Vitamin A
 
127
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
65
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.