Baked Ocean Trout | Crispy Skin with Roasted Garlic & Chilli Cashew

Low-carb | High-Protein | Keto | Paleo | Gluten-Free

This oven baked ocean trout recipe with golden crispy skin, sweet roasted garlic, and bold chilli cashew crunch is one of the tastiest and easiest ways to cook whole trout. It delivers a stunning combination of bold flavours and Vibrant presentation.

The perfectly crisped skin turns golden in the oven while the inside stays incredibly moist, juicy, and tender. It’s served with buttery, golden-roasted garlic that melts in your mouth, crispy toasted cashews, fresh red chilli, and slices of caramelised roasted lemon. The crunch from the cashews, combined with the subtle heat from the chilli, creates a sweet and spicy contrast in every bite. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, peppery lift. The textures and flavours are beautifully balanced and come together in one simple bake.
Ocean trout and rainbow trout are the same species and are often labeled differently depending on the region. They have a rich, buttery flavour similar to salmon but slightly milder, with a tender, flaky texture that makes them ideal for baking.
This dish is more than just beautiful to serve. It is also packed with nourishing ingredients that support your health. Ocean trout is naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote heart and brain health. Roasted garlic provides antioxidants and may support immune function, while cashews contribute healthy fats, key minerals, and a satisfying crunch that enhances both taste and nutrition.

Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a relaxed weekend meal, or looking for a no-fuss yet impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe fits perfectly. It’s naturally low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for nearly any table.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Baked Ocean Trout with Roasted Garlic & Chilli Cashew

• Olive oil: Used to coat the trout and garlic before roasting, and drizzled over the dish at the end. It adds a rich, fruity flavour and healthy fats.
• Unpeeled garlic cloves: Roasted with the trout until soft and creamy. Once cooked, the garlic can be squeezed from the skin and spread over the fish. It adds a mild, sweet flavour and antioxidant benefits.
• Cashews: Toasted in a skillet until golden and crunchy, then sprinkled on top for texture and flavour. They add a nutty, slightly sweet taste along with healthy fats and minerals.
• Fresh red chilli: Added to the toasted cashews for colour and a touch of heat. It brings a sweet-spicy balance and contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism.
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkled over the finished dish for a pop of freshness and colour. It adds a peppery flavour and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Smoked paprika: Rubbed onto the trout before roasting to add a smoky, earthy depth and a vibrant red hue. It also contributes vitamin A.
• Ginger: Rubbed onto the trout for warm, spicy notes. It supports digestion and adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Rosemary: Used to season the fish with a fragrant, pine-like flavour. It may also enhance mood and concentration.
• Black pepper: Used for seasoning. It adds sharpness and helps enhance the absorption of nutrients like antioxidants.

Baked Ocean Trout | Crispy Skin with Roasted Garlic & Chilli Cashew

Annie, Healthy Food by Annie

This oven baked ocean trout recipe is the tastiest and easiest way to cook trout with a stunning balance of flavours and textures. The crispy-skinned fish is incredibly moist, juicy, and tender, served with golden, creamy roasted garlic that melts in your mouth. Crunchy cashews with red chilli add a sweet-spicy kick, while fresh parsley gives a peppery, herbal finish. All these ingredients work beautifully together in one simple, impressive dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo

Servings 2

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium fresh ocean trout (or rainbow trout)
• 4 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 unpeeled garlic cloves (or more, as desired)
• ⅓ cup cashews (about 45g)
• 1 tablespoon diced fresh red chilli
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped (about 7g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅓ teaspoon ginger 
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
• Prepare the Fish

  Rinse the cleaned fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil with ginger, rosemary, and black pepper. Brush the mixture generously inside the fish cavities.
• Marinate the Fish

  Sprinkle smoked paprika over the skin and brush with the 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Prepare for Baking

  Place the trout on a baking tray and top each one with a slice of lemon. and scatter the unpeeled garlic cloves around the fish. Sprinkle with salt.
• Bake the Fish

  Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden. For extra crisp skin, turn on the grill function for the last 5 minutes.
• Fry the Cashews and Chilli

  While the fish is baking, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and toast them dry for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to change colour. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and the diced chilli. Continue frying for 2 more minutes, or until the cashews are golden and fragrant and the chilli is lightly cooked.
• Garnish and Serve

  Remove the fish from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley, toasted cashews, and chilli. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite.