Whole Trout for Delivery or Pickup

As smaller freshwater members of the salmon family, whole trout have many different varieties. This fish is native to North America and is found in many cold-water lakes and rivers. Where they live and what they eat play a role in the trout's color of its delicate flesh, which can range from ivory to pink. They often form colors and patterns to camouflage themselves within their surroundings.

Some of the more common types of whole trout include:

Whole trout are somewhat bony, but you end up with tasty flesh once you get past all the bones. Many varieties have a mild flavor, which is ideal if you're someone who doesn't like seafood that tastes too fishy. Their flavor is based on the diet of the fish, and those who've feasted on crustaceans are usually more flavorful compared to those who only eat insects.

Although a whole trout can be intimidating to cook, it's an extremely versatile fish to prepare. Some of the more popular choices include baking, broiling, grilling, pan-frying, and sauteing. Whatever option you choose, make sure you cook it long enough so it has an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking time will depend upon the thickness of the fish. Once cooked, pair the fish with various sides, such as red potatoes, rice, asparagus, or a fresh salad.

One of the best ways to prepare whole trout is to prepare it on the grill. Another option is to bake the fish, but make sure you flip it halfway through. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle a combination of fresh herbs, such as parsley and chives, along with black pepper. Serve the trout with slices of lemon or lime to complement the fish's flavor.

To eat the fish, use a sharp knife to remove its head from just behind the gills. Slice open the skin along the belly, starting from the tail and going along the back. Gently lift the skin closest to you, almost like you're opening a laptop. Slip the knife between the skin and meat along the length of the fish to loosen it. After the skin is loosened, cut it from the fish and discard it.

Use your fork to pick the meat from the fillet. Once you reach the bones, make sure you stop. Place your knife underneath the bones to loosen them. Put your fork against the meat, lift the bones, and discard them.

While you're busy firing up the grill, turning on the stove, or preparing your stovetop, let Instacart help you with your shopping! Simply open your Instacart app, locate the whole trout, and add it to your cart. After you check out, an Instacart shopper will get started on your order, and you can expect your fish to arrive at your residence in as little as 2 hours!