Are you ready for an adventure of epic proportions? As a seasoned live fire chef and avid outdoorsman, I’ve got a recipe that will transport your taste buds to the wilds of beautiful and breathtaking, Northern Michigan – grilled brown trout with roasted pine nut pesto!

The star of this show? The magnificent brown trout. But, we’re not just cooking it any old way, we’re dressing it with a homemade roasted pine nut pesto, stuffing it with an aromatic garden of citrus and fresh herbs, then preparing it to perfection atop a smoldering inferno of charcoal embers and smoky hardwoods!

First, let’s talk about the trout. There’s nothing quite like reeling in a fresh catch from the wild, and this dish is the perfect way to showcase its natural flavors. But don’t worry if you’re not much of a fisherman, you can always source high-quality trout from your local market, or a near-infinite number of online retailers.

Now onto the pesto. We’re tuning up this classic sauce by roasting pine nuts to give this pesto a rich, smoky flavor that will perfectly complement the tender, juicy trout. And, let’s not forget the aged parmesan cheese, buttery roasted garlic, and olive oil that make this pesto truly sing.

PREPARING GRILLED WILD BROWN TROUT WITH ROASTED PINE NUT PESTO IS REALLY THIS EASY:

Once your pesto is prepped and trout cleaned, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking. As the trout cooks, the pesto, fresh citrus and herbs will infuse every inch of the fish with its mouthwatering flavors.

When you take your first bite of this grilled brown trout with roasted pine nut pesto, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a rustic cabin in the heart of the wild. So grab your fishing gear, head out into the great outdoors, and get ready for a culinary adventure like no other. Good luck, my friends!

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:

Wild Michigan Trout – As a proud outdoorsman, I can attest to the unmatched flavor and texture of wild-caught trout, making it the perfect canvas for this flavorful pesto stuffing.

Pine nuts – These little powerhouses pack a punch of rich, buttery flavor and crunch, perfect for adding texture and depth to the dish.

Fresh basil – The fragrant, herbaceous notes of fresh basil complement the nutty richness of the pine nuts, creating a balanced and delicious pesto.

Roasted garlic – A true culinary staple, garlic adds a bold and pungent flavor to the pesto, while also providing a host of health benefits.

Lemon zest – The zesty brightness of fresh lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of the pesto, bringing a burst of freshness to the dish.

Extra-virgin olive oil – The smooth, fruity notes of high-quality olive oil bring all the ingredients together, creating a smooth and velvety pesto.

WHAT TO SERVE ALONGSIDE GRILLED BROWN TROUT:

Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes – The zesty tang of lemon and the earthy warmth of fresh herbs perfectly balance the richness of the pesto-stuffed trout.

Wild Rice Pilaf – A hearty and wholesome side dish, wild rice pilaf brings a nutty and chewy texture to the table, making it an ideal match for the tender, flaky trout.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad – Cool and refreshing, this simple and colorful salad brings a burst of freshness and acidity to the plate, perfectly offsetting the bold and savory flavors of the grilled trout.

Grilled Artichokes – These versatile and flavorful veggies are a perfect match for pesto-stuffed brown trout, adding a smoky, tangy complement to the dish.

Summer Squash Casserole – This savory casserole highlights the bright flavors of summer, combining squash, herbs, and cheese for a delicious and hearty side.

So fire up that grill, pour a glass of crisp white wine, and dig in – because with these sides, you’ll have a perfectly balanced and delicious, healthy outdoor meal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GRILLING TROUT:

Can you grill brown trout without removing the skin?

While it is possible to grill brown trout with the skin on, I highly recommend removing it for optimal flavor and texture.

How long should I cook my brown trout on the grill?

Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your trout, but a good rule of thumb is to grill it for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the flesh is flaky and opaque.

What are the best seasonings to use when grilling brown trout?

Personally, I love to keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.

How do I prevent my brown trout from sticking to the grill?

The key to preventing sticking is to make sure your grill grates are well-oiled and preheated before cooking. You can also lightly oil the fish itself or use a grilling basket to keep it from sticking.

What is the best way to serve grilled brown trout?

There are countless ways to enjoy grilled brown trout, but I love to keep it simple with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp white wine. Just be sure to savor every bite and raise a glass to the great outdoors!

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR GRILLED TROUT?

Craft Beer Pairings:

Belgian Dubbel – The toasty, caramel notes of a Belgian Dubbel complement the nutty, savory flavors of the pesto, creating a harmonious pairing.

American Amber Ale – With its crisp, hoppy finish, an Amber Ale brings out the smoky, earthy flavors of the grilled trout, while also refreshing the palate.

Czech Pilsner – A clean and refreshing Pilsner is a classic choice for pairing with grilled fish, and its light body and crisp finish won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the dish.

Cocktail Pairings:

Mezcal Margarita – The smoky, earthy flavors of Mezcal play off the smoky, grilled notes of the trout, while the tart, citrusy flavors of the margarita cut through the richness of the pesto.

White Negroni – A lighter, more herbaceous take on the classic cocktail, a White Negroni pairs well with the nutty, herbaceous notes of the pesto and brings out the fish’s natural flavors.

Whiskey Sour – The rich, woody flavors of whiskey complement the smoky notes of the trout, while the bright, zesty flavors of the sour perfectly balance the dish.

Wine Pairings:

Pinot Gris – The bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors of Pinot Gris bring out the freshness of the pesto and complement the delicate flavors of the fish.

Sauvignon Blanc – With its crisp, herbaceous notes, a Sauvignon Blanc brings out the grassy, earthy flavors of the trout, while also cutting through the richness of the pesto.

Chardonnay – A buttery, oaky Chardonnay is a classic pairing for grilled fish, and its rich, creamy flavors complement the nuttiness of the pesto while also refreshing the palate.

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