Elegant, nutty, and buttery — Truite aux Amandes (Trout with Almonds) is a timeless French dish that captures the finesse of traditional Alpine and Alsatian cooking. Perfectly pan-fried trout, delicately crisped and topped with toasted almonds and a lemony brown butter sauce, this dish is a staple in French countryside kitchens and bistros alike.

Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or an impressive guest meal, Truite aux Amandes is both refined and incredibly easy to prepare.

🇫🇷 What is Truite aux Amandes?

Truite aux Amandes translates to “Trout with Almonds.” This classic dish typically features:

Whole or filleted trout, lightly coated in flour,

Pan-fried in butter until crisp,

Garnished with toasted almonds,

Finished with lemon juice and sometimes chopped parsley.

It’s a regional specialty of eastern France, especially in the Alsace and Savoy regions, known for their freshwater fish and buttery sauces.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2)

2 whole trout, cleaned and scaled (or fillets, skin-on)

50g all-purpose flour, for dusting

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

50g unsalted butter

2 tbsp olive oil

50g sliced almonds

Juice of ½ a lemon

1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Lemon wedges (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe

🐟 Step 1: Prepare the Trout

  1. Pat the trout dry with paper towels.

  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  3. Lightly dredge the fish in flour and shake off excess.

🔥 Step 2: Pan-Fry the Trout

  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter with olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add the trout and cook for 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden and crispy.

  3. Transfer to a warm plate and keep covered.

🥜 Step 3: Toast the Almonds

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.

  2. Add sliced almonds and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until golden brown (watch closely to avoid burning).

  3. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir to deglaze the pan.

🍋 Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  1. Spoon the almond-lemon butter sauce generously over the trout.

  2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

  3. Serve hot with lemon wedges and sides like steamed green beans, baby potatoes, or a light salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Truite aux Amandes pairs beautifully with:

Herbed boiled potatoes or a creamy potato purée

Sautéed green beans with garlic

A glass of dry white wine like Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc

🏞️ A Bit of History

This dish originates from Alsace and the Alpine regions of France, where fresh river trout is commonly available. Almonds, introduced during medieval trade, became a luxurious addition to French dishes and remain a beloved garnish in traditional recipes.

“Meunière-style” (floured and cooked in butter) cooking is a hallmark of French fish dishes, and Truite aux Amandes is a perfect example of this simple yet flavorful technique.

💡 Tips for Success

Use very fresh trout — the fresher, the better the taste.

Don’t overcook the fish — trout is delicate and should remain moist.

Toast almonds gently to bring out their nutty aroma without burning them.

You can substitute trout with sole or tilapia, but the flavor will vary slightly.

🇫🇷 Final Thoughts

Truite aux Amandes is a showcase of classic French cooking: minimal ingredients, clean flavors, and elegant presentation. Whether you’re recreating a French bistro menu or simply trying something new at home, this dish is sure to impress with its crispy texture, buttery richness, and fresh zest.

Bon appétit! 🐟🥂🌰