Canned tuna is the most popular choice of fish, but canned trout is a better alternative that is still reasonably inexpensive. With a more delicate flavor and better nutritional benefits, canned trout is an excellent option for an easy snack.
Canned trout can be used anywhere meat, fish, or shellfish are already used. Trout can replace other proteins as a low-calorie and nutritionally beneficial addition to many meals. Trout also has a long shelf life and is easy to prepare, so everyone should always have some to add to any dish!
Keep reading for 11 recipes below that make great use and will inspire you to try different ways of using canned trout. Many of these meals work well with other fish, so experiment with what you have available.
11 Ways To Eat Canned Trout
Canned trout is a versatile ingredient with a shelf life of one year or more, meaning you can stock up once and use it periodically.
Canned trout comes in various flavors, species, and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your preferences.
Also, if you want to learn how to correctly can your own trout instead of buying them from the market, do read my article on how to prepare your trout for canning.
1. Keep It Simple: Trout And Crackers
The simplest but still delicious way to eat canned trout is to open a sleeve of your favorite crackers and spread the trout on top.
This method only requires two ingredients, neither need to be refrigerated, and it is perfect for taking on the go.
This method is also excellent for any flavor of trout, including smoked, jalapeno, dill, or anything that strikes your fancy, since it lets the flavor of the trout be the highlight of the dish.
The crackers are also very filling, making this a good snack or healthy meal that won’t leave you craving more.
2. Make A Quick And Healthy Trout Salad
Trout salad can be made in one of two ways: adding the canned trout directly to a salad or filling with vegetables and other sauces.
If you plan to make a trout salad with leafy greens, adding a can of smoked trout is the best way to go for complimentary flavors between the trout and greens.
A trout salad filling can be made with onion, celery, mayonnaise, chives, lemon juice, and canned trout.
This mixture is a great alternative to tuna or chicken salad with higher protein and an excellent sandwich filling.
3. Canned Trout Makes An Excellent Filling For Fish Tacos
If Taco Tuesday rolls around and you aren’t sure what protein to use, consider cracking open a can of trout to fill.
Simply combine smoked trout with your favorite taco toppings such as cabbage, lemon juice, jalapenos, cilantro, mango salsa, and more.
Canned trout tacos are easy, can be enjoyed hot or cold, and take on the flavor of your toppings without being overpowered by the fish.
4. Pasta Is Perfect To Combine With Canned Trout
Trout pasta can be enjoyed with whatever noodle and sauce you prefer, but I recommend trying farfalle with a lovely cream sauce to complement the flavor and texture of canned trout perfectly.
Using canned smoked trout minimizes prep time, taking only as long to prepare as cooking the noodles.
Trout pasta can be prepared in so many ways that it would be easier to list how it wouldn’t work.
And since pasta is a personal preference, it’s good to experiment with different recipes to find the best combination for you!
5. Use Canned Trout As A Protein In Curry
Curry is one of the most popular dishes globally, but curry made with canned fish is especially popular in Sri Lanka.
Salmon and mackerel are this dish’s most popular fish choices, but trout is a worthwhile alternative.
Onion, garlic, curry leaves, tomatoes, chilies, oil, and plenty of seasonings all work together with the fish to make an excellent curry.
Coconut milk is also great for creating a thick and creamy gravy that compliments the fish.
6. Fry Up Some Canned Trout Cakes
Another simple but delicious way to eat canned trout is by making crispy fried trout cakes. Minced vegetables mixed well with trout, and a panko or breadcrumb binder are easily shaped into round cakes.
Then those cakes can be fried on each side for 2-3 minutes in a high-heat skillet with oil. If done correctly, you’ll have delicious, easy, and crispy trout cakes that will surely be a hit.
7. Canned Trout Can Be Used In A Chowder
While clam chowder might be the more popular option, canned trout can be a better alternative for those with a shellfish allergy or just a preference for fish to clams.
Using trout will also be a huge time saver for the busy home cook.
Using canned trout eliminates the need to open the clams and cook them, turning the process into a meal that can be ready in half an hour while still being delicious.
8. In A Pinch, Canned Trout Is A Good Sushi Filling
If you want to make sushi but don’t have access to sushi-grade fish, try using smoked canned trout instead! Both plain and flavored fish are great options depending on what fillings you are using.
Cream cheese and avocado are ideal fillings to pair with the trout in sushi, but you can use whatever sounds tasty to you!
9. Trout Stuffed Peppers Is An Easy Meal
Stuffed peppers with a filling made from canned trout, garlic powder, and paprika, a white-wine vinegar sauce, is just one way to make a delicious meal with trout-stuffed peppers.
Or you can use canned trout to stuff mushrooms, jalapenos, or anything else you choose.
Simply fill your vessel with desired toppings and pop it in the oven at 400 degrees until it’s cooked and tender, and you’re ready to enjoy!
10. Mix It Up With A Canned Trout Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are one of the easiest ways to combine protein and plenty of vegetables into one dish that pairs well with noodles, rice, or just by itself.
Frozen vegetable mix with a can of trout is easy to keep on hand and whip together to make a quick meal when you don’t want to cook much.
11. Canned Trout Bruschetta Is An Easy Appetizer Or Snack
Bruschetta is made with small toast and a topping consisting of trout, capers, onions, lime juice, cucumber, and seasoning to taste.
Mixing around the vegetables and adding lemon wedges, horseradish, mayo, or anything else is an easy way to make it your own!
Canned trout bruschetta takes only a few minutes to prepare and can be used as a snack to bring to events or just a light appetizer to start a meal.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are many ways to eat canned trout, making it an excellent alternative to many dishes to save time and money!
Whether you are looking for a healthy snack that is easy to bring to work, an adventure, or simply meals to make during the week, canned trout is a great option to keep in your pantry.
Of course, taste is a personal preference, so get a few cans of trout, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor combinations and recipes not on this list.
Trout makes a great protein alternative in many recipes, and different flavors work well in different scenarios.