Pan-Fried Trout Recipe:

Step 1

My husband cleaned the trout just after he caught them by gutting them, cutting off the gills, and most importantly, scraping off the blood line off the backbone.  I also want the head cut off!

Step 3

How To Clean Fresh-Caught Trout:

Step 4

First you need to cut the head off just before the Pectoral fin (this fin can be nipped off or left on).  This is an optional step, as some people want the head left on when cooking.

Step 5

Hold fish with belly facing up.  Using your fillet knife, cut from the anal hole forward towards where the head was or still is.

Step 6

After pulling out the entrails, take an old tooth brush and clean the blood vein that runs along the spine.  If that is not cleaned out it, will effect the taste.  Rinse the trout thoroughly (inside and out) and prepare to cook as you wish.

Step 7

NOTE:  If you like to eat the fish skin, make sure you remove all the fish scales before cooking.  With the trout held firmly by the tail, scrape very firmly from the tail to the gills several times on both sides with a sharp knife.  I, personally, like to have my trout scaled before cooking.

Step 9

How To Cook Fresh-Caught Trout:

Step 10

When ready to cook, rinse the cleaned fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.  Drying will prevent the fish from steaming when you cook it.  Cut a few diagonal slashes along each side of the fish.  Roll the cleaned trout in flour seasoned with salt and pepper until covered.

Step 11

Heat the butter in a frying pan until bubbling and then fry the trout for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 12

To test for doneness when cooking the trout, insert a fork at the thickest point of the fish.  Perfectly cooked fish is nearly opaque, should be very moist, and will flake easily with a fork.  Fish that looks slightly dry is overcooked.  Undercooked fish will look translucent and raw.  If you have a digital meat thermometer, the internal temperature in the center of the fillet should reach 140 degrees F.

Step 13

Serve with a slice of lemon for a slightly fresher, livelier taste.

Step 14

Makes 2 servings.