Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh trout fillets wrapped in foil with garlic butter and lemon slices, cooked over a campfire for a smoky, tender fish dinner. This general-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, medium, thinly sliced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lay out 2 large sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Place each 6 oz fresh trout fillet on its own sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until well-mixed.
  3. Step 3: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each trout fillet. Arrange thin slices from 1 medium lemon on top of the buttered fish.
  4. Step 4: Fold the foil over the trout and crimp tightly to create sealed packets.
  5. Step 5: Place the foil packets on hot campfire coals or a grill grate over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, carefully flipping halfway, until the trout is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then open carefully to avoid steam. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Campfire Foil-Baked Garlic Butter Trout with Lemon?

General grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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