Pan-Seared Trout with Utah Juniper Berry Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Delicate pan-seared trout fillets glazed with a tangy, aromatic juniper berry sauce inspired by Utah’s local flavors. This american-inspired meal prep ready in about 25 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 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.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets (6 oz each) trout fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 small, finely chopped shallots
• 1 tbsp, crushed juniper berries
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp honey

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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the trout fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes until just opaque; transfer to a warm plate.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 2 finely chopped shallots and 1 tbsp crushed juniper berries, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Let simmer for 4 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 1 tsp honey, then spoon the sauce over the trout fillets before serving.