Black drum is a delicious fish that cooks up very well in almost any method. This post will show you step-by-step instructions for how to cook black drum.
Black drum fish can be prepared in many ways, including baking, broiling, or preparing it in a grill. For best results, cook it in an oven.
Black drums are easy to cook because they have a mild taste due to the fat content in their flesh.
It contains very few bones, so there is no need to pick out fish bones. The meat of a black drum can be cooked in various ways.
Continue reading for the different cooking methods that you could use.
What is a black drum?
It is a variety of fish, typically found in saltwater with dark, irregular markings on its body.
Also considered a good source of protein, a black drum is edible, although the flesh may taste fishy and the color can be dark.
Additionally, it contains less fat and has a higher oil content, which gives the meat a sweet and aromatic flavor.
However, a Black drum is also known as oilfish, and it is commonly found in offshore muddy areas or shallow waters next to shorelines.
A black drum will appear almost completely black in turbid waters, where visibility is reduced.
While, in clear water, its colors become more pronounced, and it appears bright silver on top and yellow-golden on the bottom with rows of large spots behind the eyes.
How to clean a drum fish
Here are simple steps and guidelines on how to clean a drum fish; this can be done in less than 25 minutes.
However, it is best to clean the fish within 24 hours after the catch. Cleaning a drum fish consists of removing gills, fins, and scales.
The drum fish is like most fish sold in its raw form and is full of bones. Try to fillet the drum fish when cleaning it before cooking.
To clean drum fish, you need the following:
- A cut-resistant glove
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Chopping board
- Trash bin.
Instruction:
1. First, you can cut it in half crosswise.
2. place the fish on a cutting board belly up with its head facing left.
3. Next, from its belly, you remove the entrails and intestines through the gills by making an incision into its belly with your hands
Additionally, as mentioned above, open up its gut cavity (reticulum) located on the opposite side of the backbone between the two sides of the soft fin fish intestine.
A drum only has about eight scales on its body, so one of the best ways to remove scales is by using a dull edge on a paint scraper or butter knife held at an angle of 45-degree to its body.
Moreso, if your fish smells, put it in an ice bath as soon as you get it home. It will keep it fresh and kill any bacteria in the flesh.
Then change the water in the ice every 30 minutes until fish has cooled enough to transfer to a tub with clean, cold water and soak for about 30 minutes.
How to cook a black drum fish
You have to start with fresh or frozen fish to cook a drum. Then, Thaw or clean the fish, patting dry with a paper towel, and let it sit in a bowl of marinade for at least 15 minutes.
Next, choose your cooking method: roasting in foil or grilling. The foil method is faster, but it doesn’t give the skin a nice texture.
Here are other ways to cook black drum fish :
How to cook black drum fish in the oven
To use an oven to bake a drum fish is another good way to cook it, as long as you have a good recipe.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2
Rinse the drum fish in cold water, then pat it dry before seasoning with salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning on all sides of the fish.
Step 3
In a cast-iron skillet, heat three tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until smoking.
Step 4
Put the fish in a pan and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5
Flip the fish over, transfer the pan to the oven, and cook for 20 minutes until the fish will flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6
Take it out from the oven; after a minute, place it on a serving platter.
How to grill black drum
Grilling a black drum is a wonderful way to serve this tasty fish. Here is how you can do it.
Here is the step by step guide
Step 1
Wash it up thoroughly.
Step 2
Prepare your grill.
Step 3
Season the fish with salt, pepper, olive oil, or any favorite seasoning.
Step 4
Place on a medium-hot grill.
Step 5
Cook for about 6 minutes, turn over, then cook for another 6 minutes.
Step 6
Take it away from the grill and serve.
How long to cook black drum
You can bake a whole fish at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes until the meat is flaky and begins to separate away from the bone for the oven method.
You can also cut fillets into steaks 1/2-inch thick and place them on a baking sheet to broil; cook until just opaque and flaky, which usually takes 3-5 minutes per side.
Using the grilling method, the average cooking time for Black Drum Fillets is approximately 20 minutes.
Though it depends on the size of the fillet and the heat intensity you set, cooking times also vary with the thickness of the fillet. The thickest part of a fillet cooks faster than its thinnest points.
For gas grill users, preheat it for 15 minutes, then lower it to medium-low heat before putting it on the fish.
And if you are using charcoal, you will probably have to cook one side for 10 minutes before
Are black drum good to eat?
Black drums are good to eat as they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for your overall heart health.
Omega-3 fatty acid nutrient in the fish is an essential nutrient that helps fight against heart disease, obesity, and arthritis.
Additionally, they’re low in fat and high-quality protein.
However, don’t just boil or throw it on the grill and expect to taste something that’s supposed to be good. Always soak drum fish for a short period to not clean out the fishy taste.
You can soak the fish in a brine solution for an hour or overnight, or you can put salt on the fish and let it sit for an hour, moving it so that both sides get covered in salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drum fish healthy?
Drumfish is healthy because it contains protein, vitamins A and D, iron, and calcium. It is also a sustainable food source, and it can be prepared in diverse ways.
How does black drum fish taste?
Black drum fish has a delicious taste; its flesh is firm and meaty. Drumfish has a sweet flavor that can be enhanced by cooking with the bone in.
Do all-black drum have worms?
It depends on several factors, but usually no. They can have worms, but it’s quite rare.
Are drum fish good to eat?
Drumfish are delicious. They have mild, white meat and can be fried, baked, grilled, or smoked.
Is a drum fish a carp?
A drum is a kind of saltwater fish, and the term is used for several fish in the Sciaenidae family. Drumfish are not carp and are part of a completely different family.
Conclusion
Whole black drum fish can be cooked in various ways, like in the oven, on the grill. This page has helped you with how to cook black drum without stress. Each method has its pros and cons, but the best way to cook black drum fish is through the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cajun
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 6 skinless black drum fillets
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper should be sprinkled on the meaty side of the fish before setting it aside.
- Place the butter in a sizable skillet over medium-high heat before adding the fish skin-side down. After gently flipping the food, cook for an additional 3 minutes. To remove any extra fat, place the fish on a dish lined with paper towels before serving.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.