Grilled Cedar-Plank Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh trout fillets grilled on cedar planks and topped with a bright lemon-dill butter enhance the natural flavors for an outdoor-inspired seafood dish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) trout fillets, unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Brush 1 tbsp olive oil on each trout fillet, then season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Place the soaked cedar planks on the grill grates and close the lid for 3 minutes to start smoking.
  4. Step 4: Lay the seasoned trout fillets skin-side down on the cedar planks, close the grill lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the trout from the grill and immediately spread the lemon-dill butter over each fillet while hot, allowing it to melt into the fish before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cedar-Plank Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Cedar-Plank 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cedar-Plank 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 Grilled Cedar-Plank 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 Grilled Cedar-Plank Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter?

American seafood 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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