Grilled Colorado Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh trout grilled over high heat and topped with a zesty lemon-dill butter, inspired by Northern Colorado’s abundant freshwater streams. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Pat dry 2 whole trout (about 1 lb each), then rub both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 minced garlic clove until combined.
  3. Step 3: Place trout on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until skin is crisp and flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove trout from grill and immediately spoon the lemon-dill butter over each fish, allowing it to melt and infuse the flavors before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Colorado 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Colorado 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 Colorado Trout with Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Grilled Colorado 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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