Few things are more delicious than a backyard fish fry, full of fried fish and good company. The tradition of backyard fish fries is popular throughout the country as a way to celebrate events and get together with friends and family, not to mention enjoy the taste of freshly caught fish. This black drum recipe makes for the perfect backyard fish fry.
Is Black Drum Fish Tasty?
Black drum fish can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, anywhere from New England to the coast of Texas and into Mexico. These cousins of red drum, also called redfish, are popular for their size and taste. Black drum fish has a mild, sweet taste that makes it ideal for a number of recipes. It has flaky, firm flesh and tastes similar to the red snapper.
What's the Best Way to Cook a Black Drum?
Black drum is beloved for its versatility, and can be cooked a number of ways, with different seasonings and marinades. Along with being perfect for a fish fry, it's tasty when pan-fried or baked in the oven as well. Sauté your fish fillet in a skillet on medium-high heat in unsalted butter, vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil. Here's a simple black drum fish recipe made in a cast iron skillet and flavored with lemon juice and seasoning.
This fried black drum recipe by Davis Turner of Huckleberry flavors the fish with garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can always add some lemon pepper, minced garlic or red pepper. If you're in a pinch, you can always use taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning to get the kick you need without all the spices.
How to Make Fried Black Drum Fish
Preheat the fryer or an oiled frying pan to 350 degrees F.
Slice black drum fish fillets into portions of 4 oz, each about 3x3 inches.
Soak the fish filet in an egg wash or buttermilk, and place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, and set aside.
Prepare a breading station, with a tray for with the breading, a tray with the fish, and a tray to place the breaded fish on.
Place the pieces of black drum fish into the breading mix and coat thoroughly, letting the fish drain off the liquid before placing it into the breading mix. Only bread a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the breading mix. Once all pieces are breaded, place them on a plate or tray, and put in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes.
Once the seafood is set, test the preheated fryer with one piece of fish to ensure it's ready. Then, fry your fish in batches, for 4 to 5 minutes each until cooked through. The fillets should be crispy and golden brown.
When filets are the perfect amount of crispy, pull out of the fryer and drain the oil. Place on a tray with a wire rack or paper towel. Sprinkle a dash of salt and serve with a lemon wedge. Enjoy!
Black Drum Fish Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Black Drum Fish
- ?Egg wash or buttermilk
- 1.5 cup Yellow Cornmeal
- 1.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon Toasted and Celery Seed Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Pinch of Kosher Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the fryer or an oiled frying pan to 350 degrees F.
- Slice black drum fish fillets into portions of 4 oz, each about 3x3 inches.
- Soak the fish filet in an egg wash or buttermilk, and place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, and set aside.
- Prepare a breading station, with a tray for with the breading, a tray with the fish, and a tray to place the breaded fish on.
- Place the pieces of black drum fish into the breading mix and coat thoroughly, letting the fish drain off the liquid before placing it into the breading mix. Only bread a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the breading mix. Once all pieces are breaded, place them on a plate or tray, and put in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes.
- Once the seafood is set, test the preheated fryer with one piece of fish to ensure it's ready. Then, fry your fish in batches, for 4 to 5 minutes each until cooked through. The fillets should be crispy and golden brown.
- When filets are the perfect amount of crispy, pull out of the fryer and drain the oil. Place on a tray with a wire rack or paper towel. Sprinkle a dash of salt and serve with a lemon wedge. Enjoy!
