Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter
Fresh trout fillets gently cooked on cedar planks over indirect heat, topped with a bright lemon-dill butter sauce for a delicate smoky flavor. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs soaked in water for 1 hour cedar planks, softened unsalted butter, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each), skin on trout fillets
- 2, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar planks
- 6 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Remove cedar planks from water and pat dry. Brush each plank with 1/2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well until creamy and combined.
- Step 3: Place 2 trout fillets skin-side down on each cedar plank. Spread half of the lemon-dill butter evenly over the top of the fillets.
- Step 4: Place the cedar planks on the grill away from direct flame, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the trout is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Spoon any melted butter from the plank over the fish for extra flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 softened unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cedar-Planked Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter?
American 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.
