Baked Rainbow Trout Recipe (Easy In 15 Min!)

Name: Baked Rainbow Trout Recipe (Easy In 15 Min!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 4-oz Rainbow trout fillets; 3 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tsp Lemon juice; 2 cloves Garlic ((minced)); 2 tsp Fresh parsley; 2 tsp Fresh dill; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 3/4 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; Thin lemon slices ((optional))

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Cod, salmon, tilapia, and halibut are some of the most popular fish recipes, but it’s nice to mix it up sometimes with other varieties. So, let me show you how to cook rainbow trout! This baked rainbow trout recipe is easy to prep, made with simple ingredients, and tastes delicious. Plus, these fish fillets are typically smaller than many other fish varieties, so they are preportioned for individual servings.

Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Trout Recipe

Mild flavor
Tender, flaky texture
Ready in just 15 minutes
Made with simple ingredients
Healthy, naturally low carb and gluten-free meal

Baked Rainbow Trout Ingredients

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for oven roasted rainbow trout, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Rainbow Trout – Look for whole rainbow trout fillets that have been de-boned. They will probably be found in the freezer section of your grocery store. Most will have skin still on, which I highly recommend leaving on for flavor; after cooking, it’s up to you if you want to eat it or not. Just be sure the fish scales are removed. If you have time, bring the fish to room temperature before cooking.
Olive Oil – Or avocado oil.
Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor or bottled for convenience.
Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor or jarred for convenience. You can also substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Herbs – Fresh parsley and fresh dill. Feel free to mix it up with any other fresh herbs you have, such as chives, thyme, or oregano.
Spices – Paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Lemon – Use thinly sliced lemon as an optional topping for fish.

How To Cook Rainbow Trout In The Oven

This section shows how to make baked rainbow trout with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

Mix seasoning. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, and paprika until thoroughly mixed.
Season. Place trout on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper and use paper towels to pat the fish dry. Brush both sides of trout with the olive oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Leave fish skin side down and top with lemon slices if using.

Olive oil with herbs and spices in a bowl.

Raw rainbow trout fillets brushed with olive oil mixture.

Bake. Cook rainbow trout in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees F (I recommend testing with a thermometer like this) or flakes easily with a fork.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to rainbow trout recipes or this fish in general, here are answers to some common questions, so you can familiarize yourself with this fish.

What Is Rainbow Trout?

Rainbow trout is a coldwater fish in the same family as salmon. Unlike salmon, trout is smaller and lighter in flavor.

What Does Rainbow Trout Taste Like?

Rainbow trout is a very mild fish that some say is slightly nutty and slightly sweet. It’s not very fishy, so if you don’t like that flavor, you’ll probably like trout.

Is Rainbow Trout Healthy?

Yes, rainbow trout is good for you! It’s packed with protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins B6 and B12 [*].

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftover fish in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat: Reheat fish in a 350 degree F oven, until warm. Be careful not to heat for too long, or it will be dry. Microwaving is not recommended as it will dry out the fish as well, but you can if you accept that risk.
Freeze: Baked fish is best fresh, so if possible, freeze rainbow trout before cooking (and before seasoning; adding lemon juice will turn it into ceviche with long-term storage, even in the freezer). However, if you have leftover baked fish and want to freeze it, you can still do so for 2-3 months.

What To Serve With Rainbow Trout

All this delicious rainbow trout recipe needs is a simple salad or veggie side dish:

Green beans almondine with lemon garnish in a bowl

More Easy Baked Fish Recipes

If you like this baked rainbow trout recipe, you may also like some of these other easy fish recipes:

Baked salmon recipe up close on a plate.

Recommended Tools

Small Baking Pan – Cook this baked rainbow trout recipe on a sheet pan. This is my favorite brand — it cleans up well and is made in the U.S.
Meat Thermometer – Baked rainbow trout cooking time will vary, so use an instant read thermometer to know exactly when it’s done.

Easy Rainbow Trout Recipe

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19 Comments

Heather
0 February 12, 2023Reply

Great recipe! Easy and so tasty.
Krystal
0 February 7, 2023Reply

Every time I clicked print, another ad popped up. I clicked the ad, then tried to click print again, and another ad. Left the site and tried going back again…did the same thing. Was unable to print even after clicking on ads. 🙁
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 February 8, 2023Reply
  
  Hi Krystal, When clicking print it should open a new tab or window. Thanks for your feedback. Ads keep the Wholesome Yum website running and allow me to develop recipes that readers like you can access absolutely free. However, you may be interested in Wholesome Yum Plus, which includes an ad-free version of the website, along with other perks.
Kristine Viti
0 January 25, 2023Reply

This recipe is absolutely delicious! I’ve made it 2x this week and love it.
so easy to make and over the top great!!
Madeleine
0 November 20, 2022Reply

What temperature should the oven be for baking rainbow trout?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 November 21, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Madeleine, The oven should be set to 400 degrees.
  - Yummy Recipe Seeker
    0 January 23, 2023Reply
    
    Awesome Wholesome Yum!!! Made this recipe tonight for dinner and everyone enjoyed it!!! So yummy!!
Lori Zema
0 November 11, 2022Reply

Can this be cooked in a Cuisanart airfryer?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 November 15, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Lori, Yes, that should work.
Tigger
0 June 28, 2022Reply

Delicious! So easy to do! Will only use this recipe.
Scarlet
0 February 7, 2022Reply

Healthy, fast dinner recipe. I love the fresh herb flavors in this trout dish.
Kristyn
0 February 7, 2022Reply

Simple & tasty spices make this meal delicious!! The fish is so tender & has tons of flavor!
Taylor
0 February 7, 2022Reply

This is my new favorite way to make fish! I absolutely LOVED the dill, garlic and lemon flavors paired together. So easy and the taste is incredible!
Gina Ceraso
0 February 7, 2022Reply

So simple and easy to make! We love this so much, thank you.
Amy L Huntley
0 January 28, 2022Reply

We love a delicious trout recipe here at our house. So, flavorful and crispy!
Andrea Thueson
0 January 28, 2022Reply

My husband loves to fish, so I am always looking for ways to serve up the trout he catches, and this recipe was delicious!
Kristyn
0 January 28, 2022Reply

I’ve never baked trout before, but you recipe makes it so easy!! And, it comes together so quick!! Very tasty & buttery!
Kara
0 January 28, 2022Reply

My sons love fishing, and I don’t always love trout, but prepared this way it was delicious!
Jan Steves
0 January 28, 2022Reply

I wish I made more! We loved this so much, a great recipe!