Help me with whole fish.

[Titsalinabumsquash]

I ordered 4 Trout Filets (sp?) with my shopping and instead got 4 whole Trout!

I'm very squeamish about whole fish with faces/scales/fins etc.

They went straight in the freezer so I've not looked but I assume they will have heads and eyes, do they descale and gut the fish at fish counters? (Asda if it makes a difference)

Anyway I digress...

I need to just stop being silly and cook the darn things, they cost a lot and I'm trying to stop wasting food.

I'm going to defrost and cook them and be brave.

How do I do it simply but deliciously for 2 adults 3 children?

can I make tiny fish masks so I don't see the eyes and mouth

[mrspremise]

I've never known a supermarket fish counter not to descale and gut fish before sale. (Lop the heads off if you'd rather), then stick some lemon slices and herbs in the cavity with a lump of butter, stick them in a roasting tin, slosh over a bit of white wine, then bake at 180°c for around 15-25 minutes, depending on how big they are. Bread and salad makes it a meal

[Titsalinabumsquash]

Thank you! I'm determined o get over my fear of fish, I can deal with any other meat but fish eyes freak me out. They judge.

[PoppyAmex]

Exactly what mrspremise said.
We have baked whole fish twice a week.

If you feel safer cook them en papillote (wrapped in foil so they don't dry out). Over cooked fish sucks.

Make sure they have a slit open under the head (gutted) before you cook them. I agree mostly they come prepared but I got whole trout and bass from supermarkets before unexpectedly.

[aclearbluesky]

Hmm, if you leave the skin on, it's not to hard to fillet them yourself. Maybe put a cloth or paper napkin over the heads and cut it off, then immediately toss it. That way, you won't have to deal too much with the eyes. As for how to fillet them, it's best to have a quick YouTube search for it for expert advice. My tip: take them of the bone and leave the skin on. Easier that way, and you can fry them in a frying pan. Skin side first for 2-3 minutes, then other side for 1-2 and it's done. I do have a nice recipe for a meal with trout on my blog :p