Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate trout fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a vibrant, spicy Peruvian aji amarillo pepper sauce. This latin american-inspired latin american ready in about 20 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) trout fillets, salt, black pepper 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 trout fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place the fillets skin-side down; cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the trout fillets topped with a generous spoonful of the aji amarillo sauce for a bright, spicy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

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 Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce 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 Pan-Seared Trout with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

Latin American latin american 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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