RECIPE

Sautéed Trout Fillets with a Pumpkin Seed Crust

  • Contributed by Smith Fork Ranch
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4

In accordance with Colorado state law, wild trout cannot be served at a commercial establishment, which is why Smith Fork Ranch makes this signature dish with top-quality farmed ruby trout.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    2. 1 large garlic clove, minced
    3. 1/4 cup dry white wine
    4. 1/4 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
    5. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons and chilled
    6. 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps quartered
    7. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    8. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    9. 1/2 cup shelled raw pumpkin seeds, finely chopped
    10. 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
    11. Four 6-ounce trout fillets, with skin
    12. 2 scallions, thinly sliced
    13. 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
    14. 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaves
    15. 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Directions

  1. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and boil until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and boil until reduced by half again, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the cold butter, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  2. In another medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shiitake caps and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Season the shiitake with salt and pepper and remove the skillet from the heat.
  3. On a plate, toss the pumpkin seeds with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the cayenne. Press the boned side of the trout fillets into the pumpkin seeds to coat.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the trout fillets, crusted side down, and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 2 minutes. Turn the fillets and cook until the fish is just white throughout and the skin is crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer the fillets to plates.
  5. Add the scallions, tomato, cilantro and lime juice to the sauce and rewarm over moderately high heat, stirring; do not let it boil. Spoon the sautéed shiitake and the sauce over the trout and serve.