Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb Butter
A delicate whole trout smoked on a cedar plank infused with fresh herb butter, delivering moist, smoky, and aromatic flavors. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 140 minutes pairs pounds whole trout, cleaned and gutted, unsalted butter, softened, fresh dill, chopped 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole trout, cleaned and gutted
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 plank cedar plank, soaked in water for 1 hour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hardwood chips like apple or alder for a mild smoke flavor.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; mix until fully blended.
- Step 3: Pat dry 2 pounds of whole trout and gently loosen the skin; spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin and the remaining half inside the cavity.
- Step 4: Place the soaked cedar plank on the smoker grates and lay the trout on top; smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the smoky herb butter to infuse fully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb 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, softened from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb 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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb 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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whole Trout with Herb Butter?
American bbq & smoked 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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