Welcome to The Outdoorsman's Kitchen section of our blog. Unlike many recipe websites, we skip the lengthy backstories and get straight to the recipes you're here for. The Outdoorsman's Kitchen is dedicated to sharing recipes featuring game meat. This recipe, grilled trout over a campfire.
Cooking over a campfire is a highlight of any camping trip, especially when the meal is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. This recipe for Campfire Grilled Trout is perfect for anglers who’ve had a successful day or anyone who simply loves the flavor of fresh fish. Infused with lemon and herbs, this trout cooks to perfection wrapped in foil, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully under the campfire's glow.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 whole trout, gutted and cleaned
2 lemons, thinly sliced
4 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (or a combination)
2 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
Additional herbs for garnish (optional)
Tools:
Aluminum foil
Campfire grill grate (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Campfire: Start your campfire early to ensure it burns down to a bed of hot coals. If available, place a grill grate over the fire to heat up. The ideal cooking heat is achieved when you can hold your hand about 6 inches above the grate for only 3-4 seconds due to the high heat.
Prepare the Trout: Rinse the trout with clean water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the trout with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Trout: Place slices of lemon and garlic inside the body cavities of each trout. Add a sprig of rosemary and/or thyme inside each as well.
Oil and Wrap: Drizzle the outside of each trout with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring it's well-coated to prevent sticking. Lay the trout on a large enough aluminum foil piece to fully enclose it. Fold and seal the foil around each trout, making sure there is some space inside the packet for air to circulate as it cooks.
Cooking: Place the foil-wrapped trout either directly on the hot coals or on the grill grate above. Cook for about 7-10 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the packet using tongs and cook for another 7-10 minutes on the other side. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your fire and the size of your trout.
Check for Doneness: Carefully open the foil packet (watch out for the steam) and check if the trout is cooked through. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve: Transfer the cooked trout to plates and carefully remove the skin. Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your Campfire Grilled Trout with sides that can also be prepared over a fire, such as grilled asparagus or corn on the cob. The simplicity of cooking over a campfire brings out the best in fresh ingredients, making this trout a memorable part of your camping experience.
This Campfire Grilled Trout recipe exemplifies the joy of campfire cooking, offering a delicious, aromatic, and satisfying meal with minimal fuss, highlighting the natural flavors of the great outdoors.
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