While most braai recipes call for a massive selection of meat products, mostly beef, trout on the grill is just as popular and equally tasty! What could be better than fish on the braai when getting together with friends and family? Granted, steak on the braai is more traditional, but if, like us, you are always looking for new braai ideas, then trout on the grill is almost certainly going to hit the spot!
Trout
What type of fish is trout?
This may be surprising to hear, but not everyone enjoys fish. However, before you all gasp and flop around like a fish out of water, we at FinGlobal believe it’s because they haven’t tasted the ‘right’ fish!
Our sun-filled country has the advantage of being surrounded by the glorious ocean on three sides. This means we have access to an array of delectable fish varieties; however, some are more delectable than others, and none more so than the meaty, flavorsome trout!
Naturally found swimming in the chilly waters of dams and rivers in the Drakensberg, Lesotho, and Maloti Mountains, the trout is the only cold-water fish farmed in South Africa. The first trout to hit our shores were the brown and rainbow trout varieties. As per the dusty history books, they were brought to our corner of the earth at the end of the nineteenth century by British Colonists. Kudos to those across the millpond!
Where can I go fly-fishing for trout?
These first trout enjoyed our warm climate so much; the rest is history in terms of populating our rivers and dams. Today trout fly-fishing in South Africa is a big thing, with some towns basing their tourist industry entirely on trout fishing. Don’t believe us? Look up the best fishing places in Dullstroom the next time you pass through Mpumalanga. There you will find some exclusive trout fly-fishing dams that are sure to warm the ‘cockles’ of every fisherman’s heart!
Here’s a corny fishing joke, especially for the anglers reading this article:
A man walks into a fish shop carrying a brown trout under his arm.
“Do you make fish cakes?”
“Yes, we do,” replies the guy behind the counter…
“Great,” says the man, it’s his birthday.”
Okay, so we aren’t good with fish jokes, but you have to admit, when it comes to emigration, FinGlobal is your team! See what we did there?
Easy lemon & herb trout on the grill
All this chatting about fish is bound to have you grabbing your fishing rods this weekend. But before you head off into the mountains in search of a tasty trout, check out this delicious trout on the braai recipe. Stuffed with juicy slices of lemon and fresh herbs, this South African grill will be the talk of the neighbourhood and not because it’s the ‘one that got away!’
Before we ‘land’ the perfect braai, you need to decide whether to trek to the dam to catch your own trout or cheat and buy it fresh, gutted, and ready for the braai. The choice is yours; we won’t tell!
What you need
- 1 fresh trout, gutted, washed, and ready for stuffing
- 1 whole lemon sliced
- 30 g freshly chopped oregano or 2 tsp dried oregano
- 30 g freshly chopped thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper
- String for tying the fish closed
What to do
- Start the braai and allow the coals to burn down to moderate heat
- While the fire is burning, it is time to put on your trusty braai apron and get busy with the preparations!
- First, place the fresh, clean trout onto a wooden chopping board or clean surface
- Then, mix the herbs and crushed garlic in a small bowl, and sprinkle the herb mixture on the fleshy insides of the trout.
- Next, pop the fresh lemon slices into the fish. You can sprinkle the lemon slices with some extra oregano or thyme for additional herby flavour!
- Your trout is nearly grill ready! But, first, you will need to tie the fish closed to keep the lemon slices and herb mix in place while on the braai grid. Use small pieces of string and tie them around the fish at regular intervals – much like the butcher does with a tasty pork joint!
- Now, use a basting brush and brush both sides of the fish with olive oil. This will prevent it from sticking to the braai grid.
- Now for the best part! Place your freshly stuffed trout onto the braai grid and allow it to cook for approximately 25 minutes. Remember to turn it over regularly to ensure it cooks through evenly.
- Once the trout is cooked, whip it off the coals and place it onto a serving plate to cool for 5 minutes. Pack those forks away; there’s still a salad to fetch from the kitchen and braaibroodjies to pop on the grid!
Serve your tasty lemony trout with lashings of fresh green salad, sweetcorn, and potato slaai. Alternatively, for a more fisherman-ly feast, serve with fresh roosterkoek, dripping with a delicious herb-infused braai butter! Trout on the grill is one of the best South African recipes as far as braai recipes go. If you don’t believe us, try it and see for yourself!
Expert advice for SA expats right here at FinGlobal
FinGlobal provides bespoke advice customised to suit your unique emigration requirements. Our expertise and services are available to all expats based abroad or those still enjoying our sunny climate.
For quality service, backed by more than ten years of experience, you are guaranteed all the support you need during and after the emigration process. Contact the team today to discuss queries regarding tax, retirement annuities, pensions, forex, and more.
To discuss your unique needs with our team, simply get in touch with us. Give us a call on +27 28 312 2764 or send us an email at info@finglobal.com, and we will assist you promptly.