Trout Amandine
Delicate trout fillets, pan-seared to a golden brown and draped in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce with toasted almonds. This New Orleans classic is surprisingly quick and elegant, perfect for a special weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Trout
- b.Thoroughly pat the trout fillets dry on all sides with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy skin.
- c.In a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- d.One at a time, lightly dredge each trout fillet in the seasoned flour, ensuring a thin, even coating on both sides. Gently shake off any excess flour and set the fillets on a wire rack or plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pan-Sear the Trout
- b.Place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place two trout fillets in the pan. Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in two batches.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- e.Transfer the cooked fillets to a warm serving platter. Repeat the process with the remaining two fillets, adding more oil or butter if the pan looks dry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Amandine Sauce
- b.Carefully wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Return it to medium heat.
- c.Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt, then continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will foam, then the foam will subside.
- d.Watch closely as the milk solids at the bottom of the pan begin to turn a golden brown and the butter develops a nutty aroma. This process, called 'beurre noisette', takes about 2-3 minutes.
- e.As soon as the butter is browned, immediately add the sliced almonds. Sauté, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the almonds are toasted and fragrant.
- f.Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The sauce will sizzle and bubble vigorously.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Immediately pour the hot brown butter and almond sauce evenly over the pan-seared trout fillets.
- c.Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve at once with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest fish, ensure the fillets are completely dry before dredging in flour.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures each fillet gets a beautiful golden-brown sear and cooks evenly.
- 3Watch the butter like a hawk when browning. It can go from perfectly nutty to burnt in a matter of seconds. The nutty aroma is your best indicator.
- 4Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent the delicate fish from sticking.
- 5This dish is best enjoyed right away. The sauce should be poured over the fish just before it goes to the table to maintain the crispiness of the fish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Fish
This recipe works beautifully with other delicate white fish like sole, flounder, or tilapia. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
For a nut-free alternative, omit the almonds and add 1 tablespoon of drained capers along with the lemon juice to create a classic Trout Meunière.
Herb VariationsHerb Variations
Incorporate other fresh, soft herbs like chives or tarragon along with the parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Trout is an excellent source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
This dish provides high-quality protein from the trout, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds contribute monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and support overall heart health.
Source of Vitamin E
The toasted almonds in the sauce provide a good source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from oxidative damage.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Trout Amandine contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily depending on the size of the trout fillet and the exact amount of butter absorbed.