Butterflied Trout with Spicy Lettuce, Celery, and Herbs

A fresh and vibrant dish featuring crispy butterflied trout served with a citrusy-spicy Asian dressing and a bright herb salad. The combination of jalapeño, citrus, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of flavors that complement the delicate fish.

4 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • ½ whole jalapeño
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 small shallot
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 2 whole rainbow trout
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 heads lettuce
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • ½ cup mint leaves

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Using the side of a chef's knife, mash jalapeño, lime zest, and orange zest with a pinch of salt on a cutting board to a paste. Transfer to a medium bowl and mix in shallot, orange juice, lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Season trout with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook 1 trout, skin side down, until golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes (flesh will be nearly cooked through). Remove from heat, turn fish, and let sit until cooked through, about 1 minute more. Transfer trout to a platter. Wipe out skillet; repeat with remaining trout and 1 tablespoon oil.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Toss lettuce, celery, celery leaves (if using), cilantro, mint, and 3 tablespoons dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Top trout with salad and spoon remaining dressing over.

    5 min