Whole Trout???

jwc6160

So my son saw some whole trout packages at Costco and said he wanted those for dinner. I have never cooked a whole fish. I’ve done some searches and found a couple recipes, but am hoping for some advice. I assume the fish are cleaned out as they appear to be split open. A couple of general questions. Smoke or grill? Do I keep the heads on? Are they done when “flaky” like salmon? Any other advice or recipes are appreciated. 

bgebrent

They're clean.  You can smoke or grill but I prefer grilling.  I leave the heads on but it's not mandatory.  They are done when opaque and flaky.  Put aromatics and seasoning in the cavity.  Oil your grates before putting the fish on.  Have fun.

Botch

I attended a cooking class where whole fish were grilled outdoors.  Very simple preparation, salt and peppered the inside and then stuffed with fresh dill and lemon slices.  Heads were left on.  She did grill them but had smoking wood on the fire, and (iirc) removed them when they flaked.
Very simple, and delicious, I think you're in for a good meal.  Pics!!  

Woodchunk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHyfx9dX420

Killit_and_Grillit

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1211406/asian-trout-and-ramen-today-s-catch#latest

We cook them whole a lot. My daughter and I did some last month. 

You can smoke them but they are great on a wood board. 

jwc6160

Awesome. Thanks for the tips everyone. 

gdenby

Yes, they are done when flaky.

They are good grilled, or on a plank. If grilling, head on is good 'cause you can push a skewer thru the mouth and into the tail. That will hold them together pretty well.

If you plank them, any number of stuffings in small amount can go in the cavity. I've enjoyed a few tablespoons of cook rice w. lemon pepper and butter inside.

smak

Not quite whole... but I do these on the regular. .   Season,  aromatics,  a little olive oil.   6ish minutes a side. 

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1179212/rainbow-trout

Focker

Here is my preferred approach to smoked trout.  When that dorsal fin slides out, your golden.  Peel the skin down easily, then toss them in the gentle smoke a little bit more. 

Pin bones suck.

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1199930/trout-trick

jwc6160

Hard pass on this one guys. Deboning for 2 five year olds was too much work. Need to keep the kids away from Costco.