This Lemon Butter Sheetpan Baked Trout is a one-pan wonder that combines flaky trout, crispy potatoes, and tender green beans, all seasoned with a garlicky lemon butter sauce. The trout is baked on a sheetpan with the veggies, creating a flavorful and easy meal that is both healthy and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal with minimal cleanup!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meal:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

• 4 (5-6 oz) skin-on rainbow trout fillets

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp minced garlic, divided

• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp chili flakes

• 4 tsp butter, divided

• 8 oz French green beans (haricots verts), trimmed

• 2 tsp lemon zest, divided

• 1 lemon (half sliced, half juiced)

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For the Garlic Herb Sauce (optional):

• ¼ cup sour cream or mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Arrange the potatoes on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Prepare the Trout: Pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, the remaining minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, and salt and pepper. Drizzle or brush the mixture over the trout fillets.

4. Prepare the Green Beans: Toss the trimmed green beans with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper.

5. Assemble on the Sheetpan: After the potatoes have baked, remove the sheetpan from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side and place the trout fillets skin-side down in the center. Arrange the green beans on the other side. Place a pat of butter on top of each trout fillet, and add lemon slices around the fish and veggies.

6. Bake and Broil: Return the sheetpan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the trout is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.

7. Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the trout and veggies. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

8. Make the Garlic Herb Sauce (Optional): Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and serve alongside the trout.

Nutritional Value

Here’s an approximate breakdown of Lemon Butter Sheetpan Baked Trout per serving (assuming the recipe serves 4):

Per Serving:

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 30-35 grams

• Fat: 20-25 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 10-12 grams

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3-4 grams

• Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams

  • Fiber: 3-4 grams

  • Sugar: 3-4 grams

• Cholesterol: 75-90 mg

• Sodium: 350-450 mg (depends on the salt used)

• Potassium: 700-800 mg

• Calcium: 50-70 mg

• Iron: 2-3 mg

This dish offers a good source of lean protein from the trout, healthy fats from olive oil and butter, and a balanced amount of fiber and vitamins from the potatoes and green beans. The optional garlic herb sauce adds creaminess but remains relatively light in calories. This is a great option for a nutrient-dense, heart-healthy meal.

The Trout: Flaky and Tender

The star of this dish is the trout fillets, which are naturally tender and flaky. Baking the skin-on fillets at a high temperature ensures the fish remains moist while developing a crisp skin. The lemon zest and garlic add depth of flavor, and the touch of paprika and chili flakes bring a slight warmth and smokiness to the dish, complementing the lightness of the trout. Trout is an excellent source of lean protein and is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health and reduce inflammation.

The Potatoes: Crispy and Comforting

The baby potatoes add a heartiness to the meal, providing a satisfying and comforting base. Halved and tossed with olive oil, garlic, and oregano (or thyme), they are roasted until they are golden brown and fork-tender. The potatoes’ crispy exterior and soft interior make for the perfect contrast to the tender trout. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, which help support digestion, heart health, and immune function.

The Green Beans: Crunchy and Refreshing

French green beans (haricots verts) are the perfect vegetable for this sheet pan dinner, providing a crisp and fresh texture that complements the tender trout and crispy potatoes. The green beans are tossed with olive oil and lightly seasoned, then roasted alongside the potatoes and trout. The slight bitterness of the green beans contrasts with the richness of the butter, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Green beans are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, all of which contribute to overall health, including immune and cardiovascular support.

The Lemon Butter Sauce: Tangy and Flavorful

The lemon butter sauce is what ties the entire dish together. Made with butter, lemon zest, and garlic, this sauce infuses the fish with a rich, tangy, and savory flavor. The lemon adds a bright, zesty note, which cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a beautifully balanced taste. The garlic provides depth, while the butter gives the dish a silky texture. Adding lemon slices around the fish and vegetables helps infuse even more citrusy freshness into the meal.

Cooking the Dish: Simple and Easy

One of the best things about this dish is that it’s all made in one pan, which means minimal prep and cleanup. The potatoes are roasted first, giving them enough time to get golden and tender. Once the potatoes are partially cooked, the trout and green beans are added to the pan. A pat of butter is placed on top of each fillet before baking, ensuring the fish remains moist and flavorful. The lemon slices and garlic add additional flavor, while a final broil option allows the top of the trout to crisp up for an extra touch of texture.

Optional Garlic Herb Sauce: Creamy and Delicious

For those who like a little extra creaminess with their meal, the garlic herb sauce is the perfect complement to this dish. Made with sour cream or mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and Dijon mustard, the sauce is rich but light and adds a burst of flavor to the trout and vegetables. While the sauce is optional, it adds a creamy, tangy element that enhances the richness of the trout and balances the fresh, light flavors of the roasted vegetables.

Why You Should Try Lemon Butter Sheetpan Baked Trout

Lemon Butter Sheetpan Baked Trout is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only a single pan for cooking, which means less mess and fewer dishes. The flaky trout, crispy potatoes, and tender green beans provide a satisfying and well-rounded meal, while the lemon butter sauce ties everything together with a rich, tangy flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for a weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and ease of preparation.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Sheetpan Baked Trout is a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of tender trout, roasted potatoes, and green beans makes for a well-balanced meal that’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The optional garlic herb sauce adds a creamy element, while the fresh lemon keeps everything light and refreshing. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.