I picked up a can of this Trader Joe's Smoked Trout Fillets up on a recent trip there. It was one of the only tinned fish selections they offer that I had yet to try. Most are relatively inexpensive, starting at only $2. But this one, at $4.49, is at their higher end.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.
The fill is about average compared to other open cans of it I've seen. There's immediately a smoky aroma. The fillets themselves aren't really giving off any aroma I consider fishy. A sip of the oil is neutral but subtly infused with the taste of the smoke. I initially though it might portend an overly smoky flavor to the fish, but it was not to be the case. In researching, I noted that this can previously did not say "hardwood". The ingredients, which list now only "trout fillets, canola oil, salt" formerly had the word "smoke" added. The revision is a plus.
Digging in, the meat is flaky. Trying to extract one of the fillets from the can, I find it fused to the other, so I just dumped it all out over rice. The bits you see on top are just trout debris that was floating in the oil. Consistent with the labeling, there is no skin.
Working my way through the bowl, the meat is satisfyingly tender, flaky and mild in flavor. The texture is reminiscent of a better quality white tuna. The smoke is just right, neither overpowering nor fatiguing on the palate. I also thought the salt level was well-balanced with the rest of the flavors.
I was concerned I might be less than impressed due to the fish being farm raised and packed in canola oil, but neither took away from the experience in any discernable way.
I'd buy this again, and have no trouble recommending it as an entrée into the world of tinned smoked trout.
Brand: Trader Joe's
Description: Trout fillets, hardwood smoked
Species: Farm-raised trout
Country of Origin: Germany
Source: FAO N/A
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.9 oz.
Price Range: $4-5