Can You Eat A Black Drum?
Black Drums are large, bottom-feeding fish. They can be found in sea waters all over the world. In the United States, fish are plentiful in the waters from Texas up through New Jersey. Drums get their name from the drumming sound they make with their bladders. It’s thought this is their mating call.
As bottom feeders, they scan for their favorite foods, which include crabs, worms, algae, and mollusks. Called “big uglies” by fishermen, the Black Drum is characterized by its large head, broad mouth, and big lips. Their size can range anywhere from 6 inches to almost 2 feet. Weight-wise, they average 20 to 50 pounds. But it can be much larger. In fact, the largest one caught on record was 113 pounds.
Sports fishermen love them because they are fairly easy to wrangle, and they get a ” big catch” under their belt. But do these unattractive sea creatures taste good? Are they even edible?
Is Black Drum Good To Eat?
The short answer is yes. Black Drums are perfectly safe for consumption. Many people find them delicious, especially the smaller ones. Folks who are not big on fish actually like them because they don’t really taste like fish. Drums have a taste similar to red snapper. It has a sweet and mild taste.
With a thick yet flaky flesh, they can be used in many different ways. Large Big Drums can be used for fish fries, and smaller ones are great for stews, chowder, and fish tacos. Nutrients abound in them as well. They are loaded with protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and B12. However, as with most things, you should have all the information to make an informed decision.
Big Ones VS Small Ones
Most people find that smaller Black Drums (under 5 pounds) taste better than the larger ones. Also, the Black Drum takes a long time to grow, so most people who fish for it throw the larger ones back.
Even though there are no laws prohibiting keeping them. Fishermen believe it’s better to just keep the smaller ones to prevent creating a population problem.
Worms Everywhere!
Yes. The Black Drums are, for the most part, infested with spaghetti worms. The worms are actually shark tapeworms that use the drum fish as an intermediate host. Hoping that the drum gets eaten by a shark, they hang out in them and wait.
Now, as horrifying as this may sound, it’s all perfectly fine. The spaghetti worms do not harm the fish. Nor will they harm you should you eat the fish. Obviously, they will die off when the fish is cooked. But it’s said that even when humans eat them alive, it’s fine. The worms cannot be supported by our systems, so they’d just die off anyway.
Good news, if you’re not into worms, they are mostly in the larger fish. Grab a small one and you’ll probably be worm free.
How Can We Eat Them? (A Great Recipe Too)
The Black Drum will change in flavor depending on how it’s cooked. It can be prepared just about any way you like, including:
- baked
- fried
- blackened
- grilled
- steamed
- boiled
- the fish in a fish sandwich
- a substitute for crab in crab cakes
However you cook your favorite fish, it’s best not to mire it down in heavy sauces and creams. Light oil or butter and some herbs and lemon are best. This will complement the drum’s taste without overwhelming it. If you’re chomping at the bit to try Black Drum in a great recipe, look no further.
A Delicious Blackend Black Drum With Herb Butter
Ingredients (fish)
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun blackening spice
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 6 skinless Black Drum fillets
- 1/4 tablespoon of grape seed or other oil
Ingredients (butter)
- 1 pound of unsalted butter, room temp
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions (fish)
Combine the blackening spice with the salt. Spread the spice mixture on a plate and coat each side of the fish.
Place the oil in a large skillet and heat on high. Lay the fish in the skillet and sear until the spices have formed from the crust on the fish, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the fish and repeat.
Remove and allow the fish to sit for a few minutes.
Directions (butter)
Mix the butter, juice, and zest into a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the fish with the herb butter.
Fix a nice side dish and enjoy!
Did Someone Say Sides?
The Black Drum should be kept simple. That doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with some succulent sides to go with it. Here are some suggestions for dishes that go great with this fish.
- Baked sweet potato – Just melt some butter and salt and enjoy your fish.
- Blanched asparagus – Add some butter and shaved almonds.
- Smashed potatoes – Make with butter and add some garlic, chives, and dill.
- Coleslaw – Use red or green cabbage or both.
- French fries – Cut your own and toss them in the air fryer.
- Ratatouille – Roast the veggies of your choice with some olive oil and spices.
- Greek lemon potatoes – Some lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
- Brussel sprouts – Pan seared, blanched, or roasted.
- Grilled eggplant – Just add a coating of olive oil and spices.
- Panzanella – This bread-filled salad goes great with anything.
- Cheesy polenta – Choose your cheese. Any type goes with fish.
- Coconut rice – Light and refreshing yet filling
- Roasted carrots – Throw some olive oil on the and bake
- Garlic sesame sautéed spinach
- Mashed butternut squash – Add some butter and garlic.
- Grilled broccoli – Add olive oil, seasoning, wrap in foil and toss on the grill.
- Rissotto
What Fish Are Similar To Black Drum?
You may not have an easy time finding black fish anywhere. It’s normally served in restaurants local to where it’s caught. Fishmongers in surrounding seaside towns sell it. But beyond that, it may be hard to get. So here are some fish similar in taste and texture to the Black Drum.
- Red drum (cousin to the black drum)
- Spotted sea trout
- Red snapper
- Weakfish
- Silver drum
- Atlantic croaker
- Sheepshead
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