When it comes to seafood, one delicious option that often gets overlooked is smoked ocean trout. This delectable fish, also known as Oncorhynchus mykiss, is a species of salmon, trout, and charr that can be found in the streams, rivers, and lakes draining into the Pacific Ocean around North America and Siberia. It was introduced to Australia in the 1890s and has since become a popular choice for both wild-caught and farmed trout. In fact, it is the main trout species farmed in Australia.
The Characteristics of Smoked Ocean Trout
One of the distinguishing features of smoked ocean trout is its beautiful appearance. The skin color can range from silvery in saltwater to olive-brownish in brackish water. As the fish grows, it becomes darker towards the top, with spots covering most of the body and the tail fin. This distinguishes it from other similar species like Atlantic Salmon and brown trout, which have plain tail fins. Smoked ocean trout also typically has a pink-orange patch on the gill cover, which becomes a broad stripe along the middle of the sides.
Flavor and Texture
When it comes to flavor, smoked ocean trout offers a delicate taste with low to medium oiliness. Freshwater-reared trout has a moist and soft texture, while saltwater-reared trout has a richer flavor, higher oil content, and firmer flesh, similar to Atlantic Salmon. The flesh color can range from white to orange, depending on the diet of the fish.
Smoked ocean trout is particularly popular for its versatility in cooking methods. It can be steamed, poached, pan-fried, stir-fried, baked, braised, grilled, barbecued, smoked, eaten raw as sashimi, or even pickled. The firm flesh of saltwater-reared trout holds together well in soups, curries, and casseroles, and can be cubed for kebabs. It is also ideal for serving rare.
Buying and Storing Smoked Ocean Trout
When buying smoked ocean trout, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you're purchasing whole fish, look for lustrous skin with a slippery, mucilaginous coating, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh smell. Cutlets, steaks, and fillets should have pink to orange, firm, lustrous, moist flesh without any brown markings or oozing water, and a pleasant fresh smell. If you plan to serve the fish raw or rare, make sure to buy sashimi-grade fish.
To store smoked ocean trout, ensure that whole fish is scaled, gilled, gutted, and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap whole fish, fillets, cutlets, and steaks in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the fish for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months below -18ºC.
Recipes and Serving Suggestions
There are countless ways to enjoy smoked ocean trout. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, there's a recipe to suit your taste. Here are some popular options:
- Whole Rainbow Trout with Orange, Maple Syrup & Macadamia Nuts
- Smoked Trout & Cracked Wheat Salad
- Char-Grilled Salmon Kebabs & Vegetables with Lime Mayo
- Gravlax
- Sashimi Salmon Salad
- Cold-smoked Ocean Trout & Flatbread Rolls
Smoked ocean trout pairs well with a variety of ingredients. It goes particularly well with almonds, bitter and peppery greens like endive and watercress, butter, capsicum, citrus, curries (especially Thai-style red curry), English spinach, garlic, mayonnaise, olives, pasta, sorrel, vinegar, and both red and white wine. If you're looking for alternatives, you can also try salmons, other trouts, or yellowtail kingfish.
Is ocean trout good?
Yes, ocean trout is a delicious and versatile fish that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
What is the flavor of ocean trout?
Ocean trout has a delicate flavor with low to medium oiliness. Freshwater-reared trout has a moist and soft texture, while saltwater-reared trout has a richer flavor, higher oil content, and firmer flesh.
Can you eat the skin of smoked ocean trout?
The skin of smoked ocean trout is generally not eaten, but it is left on to help hold the flesh together during cooking. It can easily be removed after cooking.
Is smoked ocean trout available year-round?
Yes, farmed smoked ocean trout is available year-round. However, wild stocks are only caught recreationally and may be subject to seasonal closures over winter in some states.
In Conclusion
Smoked ocean trout is a delightful seafood option that offers a delicate flavor and versatile cooking methods. Whether you're enjoying it hot or cold, there are numerous recipes to explore and serve with a variety of ingredients. So, next time you're looking for a delicious and unique fish to try, don't overlook smoked ocean trout.
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