Slovak Baked Trout (Pečený Pstruh)
A simple yet elegant dish of whole trout baked with butter and herbs, showcasing the freshness of the fish. This preparation is common in Slovakia and is typically served with side dishes like boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole trout(cleaned, about 1 lb each)
- 4 tbsp Butter(softened)
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for stuffing and garnish)
- 1 Lemon(sliced, for stuffing)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
💡 Tip: A hot oven ensures the fish cooks quickly and evenly. - 2
Rinse the whole trout under cold running water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This helps the skin crisp up.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is completely dry for better browning. - 3
Season the inside cavity of each trout generously with salt and pepper. Stuff each cavity with a few slices of lemon and half of the chopped fresh dill or parsley.
- 4
Place the prepared trout on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Spread the softened butter evenly over the top of each fish, ensuring it covers the skin.
💡 Tip: Butter helps keep the fish moist and adds richness. - 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For extra flavor, you can spoon some of the melted butter from the pan over the fish halfway through baking.
💡 Tip: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the trout. - 6
Garnish with the remaining fresh dill or parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as boiled or mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ask your fishmonger to clean and de-bone the trout (remove the spine) if you prefer.
- ✓Other herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be used.
- ✓A splash of white wine can be added to the baking dish for extra moisture and flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Instead of butter, you can use olive oil for a lighter preparation.
- Add a few cloves of garlic or some thinly sliced shallots to the cavity along with the lemon and herbs.