Norwegian Fjord Trout | Healthy Ramadhan Recipe

Norwegian Fjord Trout | Ramadhan Recipe

This month being the holy month of Ramadhan, I'd have to say that it can be hard to avoid food that looks SO GOOD, especially at the Ramadhan Bazaars. Being it my 2nd day of fasting, I'd have to say that it sucks when you buy food that has artificial flavorings, overdosage of sugar content and doesn't get me started on their usage of cornstarch in their soups or black pepper sauces. BLERGH! With all this in mind, let's cleanse the body with a Healthy Ramadhan Menu featuring Norwegian Fjord Trout!

A close look on the Fjord Trout

You might be wondering what is this Norwegian Fjord Trout? I had the same question when I was having a meal the other day at a Cooking Presentation on Fjord Trout, and trust me I was immediately blown away on why I didn't know the existence of Fjord Trout. I mean, I knew that trout was usually served as finger food at events that I attend to, but never have I had it in a meal. So just a little spoiler alert, it may look like salmon, but its nothing close to salmon except for the color.

Looks almost like a Salmon, but it has slightly different features

Now, the second thing you might be wondering, why Norway (because its Norwegian Fjord Trout)? Well after some in-depth research on Norway, apparently Norway has the perfect living conditions for Fjord Trout! Its farmed in the ocean in pure cold Norwegian fjords, in a process of meeting the highest standards in regards to environment and sustainability. For generations, Norway has generations of experience in harvesting from the sea and has been known as the second largest seafood exporter in the world. 

FJORT TROUT X RAMADHAN

For centuries seafood has been both a basic source of food and an important trade for Norway. This has given Norwegians unsurpassed knowledge and experience in every aspect of handling these precious treasures from the sea. And since its Ramadhan, im sure you all know that it is important to eat food that is safe and rich in nutrients to keep your energy levels up, your mental focus clear and your body running optimally throughout the day. 

Benefits of Fjord Trout: High in Protein, Full of Antioxidants and contains Essential Omega 3 Fats

ALEXANDRA PRAHABARAN

Meet Alexandra Prahabaran

So, I was lucky enough to attend a small private cooking workshop just before the fasting period, and we had Alexandra Prahabaran, a certified nutritionist who mentioned that the Norwegian Fjord Trout is ideal for cooking healthy, balanced and wholesome meals during Ramadhan. Since trout is rich in protein, it will help to prevent hunger and fatigue till its time to berbuka puasa. Also, not to forget that it also contains healthy omega 3 fats that help to boost your mental focus too! Now, below would be a list of recipes and tips on how to cook Norwegian Fjord Trout if you're a noob like me, and what makes it even better is that you can prepare these dishes within the shortest time!

Kaffir Chilli Norwegian Fjord Trout with Quinoa Bubur

Kaffir Chili Norwegian Fjord Trout with Quinoa Bubur

1 Trout Fillet

1 kaffir lime leaf, sliced thin

1 lime, sliced
1 red chili padi, sliced
1 handful cilantro (daun ketumbar)
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 cup fish stock
1 spring onion, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Place the cooked quinoa and fish stock in a pot and let simmer till it thickens into a bubur consistency. While that is cooking, place in a piece of aluminum foil the trout with the kaffir lime leaf, lime, chili padi, and cilantro. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and wrap up tight and bake in the oven at 200C for 15mins. Put the bubur in a bowl. Once the trout is cooked remove from the oven and place some on top of the bubur and sprinkle with some spring onion to serve.

Seared Norwegian Fjord Trout and Asian Potato Salad

Seared Norwegian Fjord Trout And Asian Potato Salad

1 Trout Fillet
2 waxy potatoes, cooked
1 Tbs light soy sauce
1 Tbs sesame oil
1 spring onion, sliced
1 tsp fried shallots
1-inch ginger, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil

Method

Drizzle the trout with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven at 200C for 10mins. While that is cooking cut the potatoes into cubes and set aside. Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Toss with the potatoes. Top the potatoes with spring onion and fried shallots and serve with the cooked trout.

Norwegian Fjord Trout Bakar in Banana Leaf

Norwegian Fjord Trout Bakar in Banana Leaf

1 Trout Fillet
1 Tbs fish curry powder
1 Tbs chili powder
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp belacan, grated
Kaffir lime leaves, chopped
Olive oil
Salt, to taste
Banana leaf

Method

Mix the curry powder, chili powder, belacan, sugar, and salt together. Make slits on the skin side of the trout. Rub the spice mix on thoroughly. Push the kaffir lime leaves in the slits of the fish. Drizzle some oil on the fish and wrap with banana leaf. Roast in the oven at 220C for 15mins. Serve with sambal on the side.

FJORD TROUT VS. SALMON

The Norwegian Fjord Trout is similar to salmon but I was told that the flesh has a deep red-orange color with white marbling that gives the fillets a luxurious feel. After getting a taste of the Norwegian Fjord Trout, I'd have to say that it has a remarkably rich flavor, with a pure aftertaste. Like in terms of texture, the Fjord Trout has a rougher texture and less creamy taste in comparison to the salmon. In terms of the shape and looks of it, The Fjord Trout has a lustrous and silvery skin like salmon and grows to a maximum weight of 2.5 kilos, which is slightly smaller than a salmon.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Seafood From Norway, flown fresh daily

My overall thoughts about Fjord Trout would be that it surprisingly suits the bill if you're looking for a healthy meal/diet, making it suitable to enjoy during the Ramadan fasting period. Also, with the presentation done by Alexandra, im pretty impressed on how you can be creative and infuse Fjord Trout in a classic Malay dish. I was also told that the trout would taste really good if you cook it in Asam Pedas sauce. I swear, just talking about it is making me drool. I love salmon, and Fjord Trout even more after learning a two about it. Just a personal opinion, if you love raw fish a.k.a sashimi, then salmon has a richer creamier taste. Trout, on the other hand, is best enjoyed cooked because it's not as dry as for how salmon would turn out to be when cooked. 

The Norwegian Fjord Trout is now widely available in markets, supermarkets and seafood stores in Malaysia, so why not consider eating more Norwegian Fjord Trout during Ramadan for overall well-being? After all, during the fasting month it is important to eat foods with essential vitamins and nutrients to keep your energy levels up, your mental focus clear and your body running optimally throughout the day. Norwegian Fjord Trout is one fresh ingredient that can boost your overall health during this time, minus the unhealthy cravings. *wink

Norwegian Seafood Council | Seafood from Norway