This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Last week we went to a little kid’s fishing hole because my 2yo son was always screaming, “catch fish”. We knew a full fishing trip would not hold his attention so off we went to cooler weather and a fun little fishin’ hole. I don’t care for fish, but I always eat it if we catch it. It’s only a couple times a year, so I go ahead and show the kids that even mommy eats the things she doesn’t like and doesn’t fuss about it.
However, this recipe that Hubbyman came up with was really, really good! Everyone devoured their fish….it was really good. Even if you don’t have a smoker you can still make this recipe, so don’t stop reading now. You can do this on the grill (I’ll share how at the end of the recipe).
Applewood Smoked Trout
6 whole, fresh trout (cleaned)
¼ c salt
¼ c garlic salt
1 gallon water
apple wood chips
Soak trout in brine overnight. Preheat smoker to medium heat (~350 degrees) and soak apple wood chips in water. Drain trout and rinse under cold water. Drain applewood chips. Make a little tin foil boat for each trout to cook in (keeps them from sticking).
Place trout in smoker. Add a handful of chips to the smoker, close door and let trout cook. Check trout after after 20 minutes. If it’s not done, add another handful of chips and let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees and the meat flakes easily with a fork.
No smoker? Preheat grill to medium. Make a tin foil pouch for the apple wood chips and fold it to seal shut. Then poke several holes in the top and add to back of grill while cooking. Trout will take about 10 minutes or so over indirect heat.
Here is a general rule of thumb for how long to cook trout. Measure around the thickest part of the fish and cook 10 minutes for every inch over medium high heat.
Looking for camping inspiration? Check out my whole Camping Planning section for recipes, tips, and ideas for great family camping vacations.
Amy says
If I’m using less quantity of trouts, do I reduce the brine solution?
Wendy O'Neal says
Yes, you just want to make sure they are fully covered in the brine. w-
Lillea says
I’m not usually a fish liker but this sounds appealing!
Keenly Kristin says
Thank goodness my husband does not like fish. The smell of fish cooking makes me gag, honestly. But I LOVE the touch of applewood chips on a lot of different recipes. Btw, good tip on how long to cook trout…geez, maybe if my mom knew this, she could have cooked trout for my dad (that was always her excuse for not doing so LOL).
Fluff's Enough says
My husband would love this. Thanks for the post.
Anne says
Sounds good. I don’t mind eating fish my husband and kids catch – but I won’t clean it. You catch it, you clean it is my rule.
Emily says
I don’t care for fish either but my bf does – might have to try this sometime.
Michelle says
Well, you know we love fish. Thanks for the non-smoker tips! Will have to try this after our big yearly fishing trip/family reunion.
Amber says
Sounds great, but my house does not do fish. Good thing we live in the desert! 😉