Pan-Seared Peruvian Spiced Trout with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Name: Pan-Seared Peruvian Spiced Trout with Cilantro-Lime Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 fillets (150g each) rainbow trout, skin-on, patted dry; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups water; Zest and juice of 1 lime; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced; 1 tbsp unsalted butter

This pan-seared trout is coated in a fragrant Peruvian spice blend, served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice that adds fresh brightness to each bite.

Prep10 minCook15 minTotal25 minServes2Difficultyeasy

Method

How to make it

01
In a small bowl, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create the spice rub.
02
Season trout fillets evenly with the spice rub on both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
03
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
04
While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
05
Place trout fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook without moving until skin is crisp and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
06
When rice is done, remove from heat. Stir in butter, lime zest, lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro. Fluff rice gently to combine.
07
Serve trout fillets atop the cilantro-lime rice while hot.

From the editor

Cooking tips

Pat trout dry before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps well when pan-searing.
Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping for fluffier results.
If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño and add finely chopped bell pepper for color and crunch.
Leftover cilantro-lime rice can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to loosen grains.

Published August 16, 2026