What Should You Serve With Trout?
Trout is a delicious and delicate fish that can be served in many different ways, and it’s also one of the most versatile fish you can serve on your dinner table. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, there are plenty of options regarding what to do with trout.
Some of the best dishes for trout are classic roasted vegetables, grilled salmon, steamed asparagus, and even baked potatoes. If you want to ensure you get all the nutrients out of your delicious meal, try serving some fresh fruit alongside your trout to balance out your taste buds.
In this article, we will share some delicious recipes for trout dishes and unique side dishes for this fish dish.
Why Should You Serve Trout With Side Dishes?
Although trout is tasty, it’s also great paired with other foods. It balances out the richness of the meaty fish and makes it more digestible.
If you are looking for something light as a perfect side dish with your fish, consider serving side dishes like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or mashed sweet potato. These side dishes will help you feel full after eating your main course.
12 Best Sides To Serve With Trout Fillets
Here are 12 of the best side dishes you can serve with trout fillets:
1. Roasted Root Vegetables
Vegetables make a great pair to almost any meat dish, including trout! The best thing about roasted root vegetables is that you enjoy them at their peak flavor, making them one of the most favorite side dishes to have. They are perfect for pairing with rich meats like trout because they have a milder taste than other veggies. You can add your favorite vegetables and some bell peppers if you like.
A great twist to roasted root vegetables is adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano. This gives the dish an extra kick of flavor without overpowering the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
One thing about roasted root vegetables is not only it’s easy to make, but it’s also relatively cheap. So, if you’re looking for a healthy side dish for your next dinner party, roast up a batch of these delicious root vegetables and serve them with your trout fillet.
2. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
If you’re looking for a pasta side but don’t want to settle with ordinary spaghetti, this recipe from Food Network shows you how to make cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper). This Italian-inspired dish pairs well with seafood like trout because it has a similar texture and flavor profile. This recipe is also best because it has less cooking time.
3. Brown Rice
Rice always complements well with trout, but brown rice is an excellent choice to make it healthier. It’s low in calories and fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller longer. This rice dish makes it to the list of popular side dishes because it’s easy to make and way healthier too!
To make an excellent brown rice dish, one of the best recipes to try is this one from Cooking Light. It takes just 30 minutes to cook and serves four people. To make this recipe, you only need 1 cup uncooked short-grain brown rice, 2 cups chicken broth, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and two tablespoons butter.
Another popular way to cook brown rice is to steam it instead of boiling it. Steaming brown rice is much easier to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a steamer basket and a pot.
4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another great option to go with trout. They are naturally sweet and creamy, making them an excellent match for the rich flavors of fish. If you prefer sweeter
4. Caesar Salad
A freshly made Caesar salad is proper if you’re looking for a lighter and simple side dish alternative. It’s not easy to prepare, but it contains many health benefits. It’s made of fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add your homemade dressing to balance out the fishy taste of the trout.
5. Easy Zucchini Fritters
Another healthy side dish option to make and pair with trout is these zucchini fritters. They are simple to make and contain no refined flour. Instead, they use whole wheat flour and olive oil to create a crispy crust. You can also add some garlic powder or regular paprika to the fritters to add some taste.
To make these cakes, you will need three medium-sized zucchini, one egg, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup milk, one tablespoon olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/16 teaspoon pepper. First, peel off the skin of the zucchinis using a sharp knife. Then cut each zucchini into half lengthwise. Next, slice each half into thin slices. After that, place the sliced zucchini into a bowl and toss it with the other ingredients except for parmesan cheese. Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Finally, roll the mixture into small balls and coat them with the parmesan cheese before frying them.
6. Sweet Slaw
Coleslaw is a popular tasty side dish that goes well with many meals, including trout. However, try making a sweet slaw using applesauce instead of mayonnaise to add extra sweetness to your slaw.
To make the sweet slaw, the method is straightforward: mix grated cabbage, apple sauce, sugar, vinegar, and mustard. The result will be a tangy, sweet, and crunchy slaw that tastes amazing on a plate full of grilled fish.
7. Garlic Mushroom Quinoa
If you are looking for a healthier option for rice, quinoa is the way to go. It’s gluten-free and packed with protein, so it’s a great addition to any meal. In this recipe, garlic mushrooms give it a delicious flavor. All you need is some quinoa, mushroom, minced garlic or garlic powder, salt pepper, cayenne pepper or pepper flakes, and onion in butter. Stir fry everything, and you’ll be good to go!
Another yummy recipe to try with quinoa is this one from Real Simple. It requires only five ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. For this recipe, you will need 1 cup of quinoa, three cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 cup of sliced cremini mushrooms, and 1/2 cup of chopped red bell peppers. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain excess water and set aside
8. Sweet and Spicy Green Beans
Green beans are one of the most flexible types of vegetables to cook. You can throw it in the oven to bake, stir-fry, or even steam it. But for this recipe, we recommend stir-frying them since you will add a bit of spice to the mix. This gives out mild and nutty flavors that are perfect for fresh trout.
Try adding chili pepper flakes if you’re looking for a more spicy version of green beans. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance its flavor.
9. Caprese Salad
Another salad recipe you can pair with trout is this Caprese salad. It’s filled with fresh basil leaves, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, lemon slices, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. To make this salad better, you can top it off with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Caprese salad offers many health benefits, including fiber, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. It’s also low in calories and fat.
10. Pickled Mango
A pickled mango is a perfect accompaniment to balance out the creamy and savory flavor of the trout. It adds a tangy kick to the dish while also adding some crunch. This recipe also has a spicy flavor, which makes it an excellent side dish for trout.
The best way to make pickled mango is to slice the fruit into small pieces and then pack it in a jar. Add a few spices like ginger, garlic, and lime juice. Then, cover the pot with hot water and let it sit overnight. The next day, remove the jar from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
11. Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
Potatoes are another versatile vegetable that works well with fish dishes. For this particular recipe, au gratin potatoes are used as a topping for trout. These potatoes are baked until golden brown and topped with butter and cheddar cheese. This no-brainer dish is easy to make and is better to prepare than an ordinary roasted potato dish.
To make this creamy au gratin potatoes, you will need 2 pounds of russet potatoes, four tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cut the potatoes into quarters lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until tender.
While cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts foaming, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cream and milk—season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
12. Broccoli and Tortellini Salad
Tortellini is another type of pasta that is usually paired with meat dishes. Broccoli is added to the mix to make it more suitable for a vegetarian diet. The result is a hearty yet light salad that is sure to satisfy. This classic side dish will genuinely fit a dish with trout.
To make this pasta salad recipe, you will need one pound of broccoli florets, 12 ounces of tortellini, 3 cups of halved grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup of red onion, 1/3 cup of olive oil, one tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup basil, and 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Cook the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli florets and combine them with the cooked tortellini. Add the chopped broccoli, grape tomatoes, onions, and dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly.
Another idea to make and to put a twist to this is making lemon broccoli pasta. All you need is fresh lemon juice, broccoli, and pasta!
