Whether you’ve had steelhead trout or not, you can’t deny that this fish is finding its place at dinner tables worldwide. It has a mild and lean flavor that makes it the perfect choice for those who want seafood with a distinct taste but isn’t too fishy. However, you may have to look closely to tell it apart from some of its more popular cousins.
There’s plenty more to learn about this fish’s unique flavor and how it stacks up compared to other fish. Take a look below for a full breakdown of its flavor, nutritional value, and preparation.
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What is steelhead trout, and why is it so popular?
Steelhead trout are a species of trout born in freshwater and move to the ocean once grown. In this manner, they’re similar to salmon. Each fish can live and be caught in either freshwater or saltwater, so it’s not so surprising that the two have similar flavors and textures and are often used in place of each other.
However, steelhead trout has recently seen a surge in popularity over its more famous cousin. The reasons for this have to do with the trout’s spawning cycle. They breed more than once per year, making them more plentiful and less prone to overfishing than salmon.
Does steelhead trout taste fishy?
The answer depends on what you consider fishy. Steelhead trout has a leaner and less intense taste due to its lower fat content. That means many people who find fishy fish like salmon unpalatable enjoy steelhead trout just fine. However, steelhead trout isn’t the most light-tasting fish in the sea, and those used to cod or tilapia may find it tastes too strong.
Overall, it can be considered to have a flavor intensity in the middle of the scale. This makes it a great choice for a variety of different dishes.
Keep in mind that several factors can affect a fish’s flavor. Steelhead trout caught in the ocean tend to taste more like salmon and have a similar orange-red color. When the trout grow up in freshwater, they are called rainbow trout and have a fishier, gamier flavor and pale color.
Does steelhead trout taste better than salmon?
The two fish are quite similar in terms of flavor, color, and texture. In fact, they are so similar that steelhead trout is often confused with salmon.
One difference between the two is that steelhead trout have a milder flavor, which allows them to pair more easily with a wider variety of ingredients. In terms of appearance, they are almost identical, though the trout will tend to look a bit lighter and flakier.
All in all, they serve as great substitutes for one another. The main difference to keep in mind when cooking is that steelhead trout are a bit thinner than Atlantic salmon, which means they cook more quickly.
Steelhead Trout vs Other Trout Taste
Even though steelhead trout and rainbow trout are technically the same species, they have less in common than you may think. Steelhead trout are much larger and have a darker coloring on their skin. Their flesh is darker and redder and tends to have a bit of extra fat.
Still, despite their differences, they share enough similarities in flavor and texture to serve as a decent substitute for one another. Since rainbow trout are smaller and a bit fishier, they tend to be better for frying, whereas steelhead trout are better for grilling.
Farmed vs Wild Steelhead Trout
Diet and habitat play a big role in the flavor of any fish, so it’s a good idea to check the source of your supermarket catch before taking it home. Generally, wild steelhead trout has a cleaner, more mild flavor, whereas farm-raised trout can take on some of the flavors usually found in rainbow trout.
One advantage of farmed steelhead trout is that it is one of the most sustainable fish choices. Since they have a higher spawning rate than other fish, farmed populations can be replenished easily.
Is steelhead trout good for you?
Like other fish, steelhead trout is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are low in cholesterol and have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is high in potassium, Vitamin D, iron, and Vitamin B6.
Fish, in general, is one of the healthiest sources of protein available. In fact, the FDA recommends adults eat 8 oz of fish based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
How to Serve and Prepare Steelhead Trout
Since steelhead trout is such a versatile fish, it can be prepared and served in many ways. Find your favorite recipe and keep the tips below in mind for a delicious meal.
Baked
Since steelhead trout is a leaner fish than salmon, it’s important to keep it from drying out. When baking, wrap it in parchment paper or aluminum foil, along with whatever vegetables and seasonings you like. Doing this will allow the moisture from your ingredients to steam the fish beautifully.
Sauteed
Sauteing steelhead trout is a classic method that makes your fish both moist and crisp when done correctly. The key is to add plenty of butter or oil to keep the finish from burning or sticking to the pan while cooking. Continually baste as it cooks to keep the flesh tender and moist.
Grilled
If you have a backyard grill, you can enjoy one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook steelhead trout. The grill marks cooked into the fish will add a slightly charred flavor which pairs perfectly with the meat. Just make sure to keep the grills oiled ahead of time, or your fish may stick.
Related Questions
Be careful when eating trout, as their fillets naturally have bones. Most of these are thin, called pin bones, which can be cooked with the fish and removed before eating. Many fishmongers also offer deboned fish for a little extra cost, which can be a more convenient way to enjoy the meat.
In a head-to-head comparison, steelhead trout is actually considered healthier than salmon. It contains higher quantities of essential omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
These two trout are the same species, though when it comes to eating they’re not exactly the same. Trout are anadromous, which means they migrate from freshwater rivers to the ocean throughout their life. The ones that stay in freshwater grow to become rainbow trout, whereas the saltwater variety becomes steelhead trout.
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