How to Deep-Fry Trout

Serve fried trout with fries for a version of fish and chips.
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Trout, a fish that lives primarily in fresh water, is often breaded and pan-fried in a small amount of oil. But if you want to achieve major crunchiness, deep-fry it.

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Trout has delicate white and pink-tinged flesh — although rainbow trout can also be orange-tinged — and flavor can vary from slightly nutty to sweet, depending on the type of trout. It only takes a few minutes to deep-fry trout once it's submerged in hot oil. You can coat them in a breading or dip them in batter before frying, depending on your preference.

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Things You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot

  • Canola or peanut oil

  • Candy thermometer

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • Mixing bowls

  • Flour

  • Eggs

  • Milk

  • Beer, optional

  • Breadcrumbs

  • Paper towels

Step 1: Prep the Fryer

Fill a deep fryer or deep, heavy-bottomed pot about halfway with canola or peanut oil. Bring the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy thermometer to attain an accurate read of the temperature.

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Step 2: Mix the Batter

Pour flour into a bowl and season to your liking with salt and pepper. Whisk a couple of eggs together with a splash of milk in another bowl to create an egg wash, and fill a third bowl with seasoned breadcrumbs or cornmeal.

Alternatively, make a batter by combining seasoned flour with enough milk, water or beer to create a pancake-batter consistency.

Step 3: Batter the Trout

Dredge the trout one by one first into the flour, then the egg wash and finally the breadcrumbs, turning them over and pressing the crumbs onto the fish to help them adhere. If you're battering the fish, dredge the trout through flour, then into the batter.

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Tip

As an alternative to breading with breadcrumbs or cornmeal, coat the trout in flour, dip it in the egg wash, then back into the flour before frying.

Step 4: Fry the Trout

Place the breaded or battered trout into the hot oil and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until the breading is golden brown.

Check for doneness inside by removing one and cutting into the center to ensure it's fully opaque. Remove the rest and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Tip

Avoid overcrowding the deep fryer or pot with too many trout at a time, which can lower the oil temperature too much, making the fish soak up more oil the longer it cooks. Work in batches, adding only enough trout that comfortably fit without touching each other.

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