July 1, 2026 · 10 min

Pecan-Crusted Steelhead Trout with Apple Salad and Thyme Potatoes

Side Dish10 min893 cal / serving

This pecan-crusted steelhead trout is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. The fish is coated in a creamy honey mustard sauce, then topped with a crunchy mixture of pecans, panko and fresh thyme before being baked to golden perfection. On the side, we serve thyme-roasted potato rounds and a bright apple-studded salad to balance the richness.

Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish brings together tender fish, a nutty crust and fresh, tangy flavors. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.


Recipe details

Side Dish10 min893 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories893 kcalProtein13.2 gFat52.2 gCarbs92.2 gSugar29.2 gFiber9.8 gSodium1646 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: containsFish: containsShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: containsCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Pecans0.5 ounce PecansView ingredient guide
Panko Breadcrumbs0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guide
Dijon Mustard2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guide
Honey2 teaspoon HoneyView ingredient guide
Mayonnaise2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guide
Steelhead Trout10 ounce Steelhead TroutView ingredient guide
Apple1 unit AppleView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Mixed Greens2 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guide
Olive Oil2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 tablespoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Butter2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide
Potatoes12 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guide
Thyme0.25 ounce ThymeView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven racks to top and middle positions and preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry all produce. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Strip thyme leaves from stems and chop until you have 2 teaspoons. Finely chop pecans or crush them in a bag with a heavy pan or rolling pin.
  2. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Toss potatoes on the sheet with a drizzle of oil, half the chopped thyme, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack for 12 minutes (you’ll start the trout at that point).
  3. While potatoes roast, place 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Let cool slightly, then stir in pecans, panko, remaining chopped thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine honey, mustard and mayonnaise.
  4. Pat trout dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle skin sides with oil and rub to coat. After potatoes have roasted 12 minutes, place trout skin-side down on a second baking sheet. Reserve half the honey mustard sauce in another small bowl for serving; spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce on top of each fillet. Mound the pecan mixture on top, pressing firmly to adhere. Transfer potatoes to the middle rack and place trout on the top rack. Roast until trout is cooked through, the crust is golden brown and potatoes are tender, 10-12 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, halve, core and thinly slice the apple. Quarter the lemon. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, a generous drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Divide trout, potatoes and salad among plates. Drizzle trout with reserved honey mustard sauce and serve.

Recipe Tips

For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before crushing.

If the pecan crust starts browning too quickly, tent the trout with foil.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute steelhead trout with salmon or another firm white fish. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds make a good substitute for pecans in the crust.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover trout and sides separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

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