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Smoked Trout with Pea Shoots and Spring Onions

This elegant smoked trout with pea shoots and spring onions is a sophisticated starter that celebrates fresh, seasonal flavours. The richness of the flaked fish is perfectly offset by the sharp, peppery kick of horseradish and the light acidity of macerated spring onions. Using delicate pea shoots provides a crisp texture and a vibrant green hue that makes this dish look as impressive as it tastes.

Ideal for a light lunch or a dinner party appetiser, this dairy-free dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and deceptively simple to assemble. The combination of smoked seafood and creamy dressing is a classic of British cookery that never fails to please. Serve it on its own for a fresh beginning to a meal, or alongside some buttered soda bread for a more substantial weekend brunch.

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Ingredients for Smoked Trout with Pea Shoots and Spring Onions

  • 60ml crème fraîche or soured cream

  • 2 tablespoons drained prepared horseradish

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 4 small purple or white spring onion bulbs, thinly sliced crosswise

  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  • 6 cups pea shoots (tendrils) and/or pea sprouts or watercress leaves with tender stems

  • 170g smoked trout fillet, skin and any bones removed, broken into large pieces

  • Edible flowers (for serving

  • optional)

How to make Smoked Trout with Pea Shoots and Spring Onions

Mix crème fraîche and horseradish in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Toss onion with vinegar in a large bowl; let sit 5 minutes to soften. Add oil and pea shoots and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper.

Spoon crème fraîche mixture onto plates and top with pea shoot mixture, smoked trout, and flowers, if using; season with pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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