Gordon Ramsay Heads to Michigan to Cook Up Comfort Food _ Scrambled
# Lake Trout Melt Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Smoky, Flavorful Sandwich
Welcome to the Upper Peninsula, nestled along the edge of Lake Superior. Here, we’re diving into the world of comfort foods with a twist—an absolutely delicious smoked trout melt. In this video, we’ll walk you through the process of transforming fresh, locally smoked trout into an exciting and memorable dish. Let’s get started!
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## Ingredients You’ll Need
- **Smoked Lake Trout** (locally caught, smoked that morning)
- **Bread** (preferably rustic or sourdough for a nice texture)
- **Olive Oil** (for drizzling on the bread)
- **Salt** (to season the bread and filling)
- **Lemon** (zest and juice for flavor)
- **Onion** (red onion recommended for its mild flavor and vibrant color)
- **Capers** (optional, but add a nice briny touch)
- **Fennel Fronds** (for a delicate anise flavor)
- **Crème Fraîche** (for creaminess)
- **Cheddar Cheese** (to melt over the trout and bread)
- **Eggs** (for the finishing touch)
- **Butter** (for grilling and frying eggs)
- **Garlic** (minced or whole cloves for flavor)
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## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Bread Base
Start by lightly toasting your bread on a pan. Drizzle a touch of olive oil over it and sprinkle with salt. Cook until the bread is golden and crispy but still firm enough to hold the filling. This will be the base for your smoked trout melt.
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### 2. Flake the Smoked Trout
Take your freshly smoked lake trout and gently flake it into a bowl. Be careful not to overwork it or mush it up—this keeps the fish nice and moist with a flaky texture.
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### 3. Create the Filling
- **Lemon Zest and Juice**: Grate lemon zest into the bowl of flaked trout and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- **Onion**: Slice your red onion thinly and add it to the mixture. Red onion is less harsh than white onion and adds a lot of flavor.
- **Capers (Optional)**: If you’re using them, toss in a few capers for a briny kick.
- **Fennel Fronds**: Open up the fennel prongs and gently mix them into the filling. Fennel adds a subtle anise flavor that pairs perfectly with trout.
- **Crème Fraîche**: Stir in a large spoonful of crème fraîche to bind everything together. Be gentle—don’t overmix!
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### 4. Assemble the Melt
Once your bread is toasted and the filling is ready, spread a generous portion of the trout mixture onto the bread. Season the top lightly with fresh pepper and salt before adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens—the cheese will melt over the fish and onions, creating a rich, creamy base for the next step.
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### 5. Grill the Melt
Place your assembled sandwich on a hot grill or pan and cook for about two minutes. The goal here is to let the cheese caramelize slightly and bind everything together without burning the bread. As it cooks, you’ll see the filling develop a beautiful golden crust.
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### 6. Fry the Eggs
While the melt is cooking, prepare your eggs. Heat a separate pan with a touch of olive oil and butter, then add minced garlic to roast slowly. Once the garlic has infused the oil, crack in your eggs and cook them sunny-side-up or over-easy, depending on your preference. The yolks will add richness and tie the dish together beautifully.
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### 7. Finish with Fried Eggs
Once your melt is ready, place it back on the plate and top it with the perfectly fried eggs. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper for a final touch of flavor.
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## Final Dish: Lake Trout Melt with Fried Eggs
Your finished smoked trout melt should be a thing of beauty—golden-brown bread, flaky trout, creamy filling, and a perfectly runny egg on top. The combination of smoky flavors, fresh ingredients, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
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## Tips from the Chef
- Use local ingredients whenever possible to enhance flavor and support sustainability.
- Red onion is a great choice for its sweetness and mild flavor compared to white onion.
- Don’t overmix your filling—it should remain light and airy.
- When grilling, keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it melts evenly without burning.
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If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out more episodes of *Uncharted* on Disney+. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for unique and delicious dishes right here in the amazing Upper Peninsula!