Print

Easy Chili Lime Baked Trout with Avocado Crema Recipe

chili lime baked trout - featured image

This chili lime baked trout is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels special. The smoky, zesty spice rub perfectly complements the delicate fish, and the creamy avocado crema ties it all together for a bright, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 trout fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (packed)
  • 1 small garlic clove (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons water
  • Warm corn or flour tortillas (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Thinly sliced red onion or radishes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and the zest of 1 lime. Stir together.
  3. Prep the trout: Pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and rub it all over the fillets.
  4. Season the fish: Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over both fillets. Gently press it into the flesh.
  5. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the seasoned fillets.
  6. Bake the trout: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through.
  7. While the fish bakes, make the avocado crema: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), ¼ cup sour cream, the juice of ½ lime, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, and 1 small garlic clove (if using). Blend until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Set aside.
  8. Rest and serve: Once the trout is done, let it rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Serve the fillets with a generous drizzle of avocado crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. If using tortillas, warm them directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice. Toast the spices in a dry skillet for 30-45 seconds to deepen their flavor. The crema can be made up to a day ahead; store with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent browning. Leftover trout keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat gently in a 300°F oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili lime trout, baked trout, avocado crema, easy fish recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb