I am here to tell you that freshwater drum, also called gaspergou, are good to eat. They are not overly different from their saltwater cousins, and, when treated right, are great table fare. Here are some tips on cooking freshwater drum, along with some freshwater drum recipes at the end.
Many people call this fish “sheephead.” It is the only freshwater drumfish species in North America, and it is common and widespread. I’ve caught them in rivers and in the Great Lakes, as well as in Manitoba and Louisiana.
No one ever told me not to eat freshwater drum, so when I first started catching them in Minnesota around 2002, I just cooked them the way I thought they should be cooked: like a big porgy or a croaker with an odd shape.
Turns out they are cousins to croakers, as well as redfish and black drum, among other species. When I learned that all those years ago, I simply treated them like other drum in the kitchen.
Diet affects flavor, so it’s worth knowing. Gaspergou love shellfish when they can get them, especially zebra mussels and other small, freshwater bivalves. They also eat a lot of crawfish when they’re around.
Freshwater drum eat mostly insects when they are young. Insects are also a popular food item for all fish in the spring. Once the summer hits, they often switch to fish, notably gizzard shad. This can make sheephead noticeably oily — great for smoking.
I’ve noticed that eating freshwater drum has become more popular over the years. I think that’s because more anglers are taking extra care to prepare them. First and foremost, gaspergou can become soft if they are left to warm up after the catch. Remember to bring ice!
But if you forgot ice, keep them alive until you’re ready to go home in the live well or on a stringer.
The next step is to bleed the fish. This is important, because bleeding keeps the meat white and clean, and helps prevent it from getting soft. You can cut the fish’s gills with your fingers, a knife, or shears. Then, put the fish in water or hang them over the side on a stringer to let the blood drain for 15 to 20 minutes. Then ice them.
Cooking freshwater drum depends on their size. Large ones can be filleted like any other drum, porgy, or bass-like fish. With their big, heavy ribs, you might need shears to cut them, or your knife will get dull. They do not have any “extra” bones like pike or carp.
Large freshwater drum fillets can be cooked with the scales still on for a different take on the Louisiana classic dish redfish on the halfshell. This is usually done with saltwater red drum. The fish comes out perfectly because you don’t flip it over during this recipe. The scales protect the fish from the grill’s heat.
If you prepare them right, freshwater drum can have a very firm texture, firmer than most other freshwater fish. I liken it to grouper or even sturgeon.
Because of this, some chefs cut the fillets into strips, simmer them (sometimes in 7-Up, like burbot), and serve them as “poor man’s shrimp.” ” I don’t love this recipe, because while the fish is OK, it’s really not very shrimp-like. I prefer other methods, detailed below.
Freshwater drum can be cooked like any other fish, but it won’t be as flaky and tender as, say, walleye. Think firm and meaty.
My favorite ways of eating freshwater drum are grilling and smoking. Even though sheephead can be fried, they are often so firm that it might taste strange to people who are used to, say, fried catfish.
Use the same method I use for fried flounder to fry the gaspergou. It’s a simple flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb dredge. This helps the breading stick to the fish.
Drum is firm, but it works well in dishes that are simmered or steamed, so use freshwater drum in any fish stew you like, and especially in my catfish courtbuillon recipe instead of catfish.
Drum fish are a popular catch among anglers in North America but not everyone knows if they are good to eat. With their odd shape and nickname “trash fish” some people wonder if drum fish taste any good or are safe to consume. In this article, we’ll explore whether drum fish is good eating and provide tips on how to cook it.
Drum fish, also known as freshwater drum, croaker, and sheepshead, are silvery-colored fish with an oval body shape. They have a pronounced hump on their back close to their dorsal fin which gives them a distinct look. Drum fish inhabit rivers, lakes, and coastal waters and are bottom feeders that use barbels around their mouth to detect food. They are not the most attractive fish, but don’t let that fool you when it comes to their edibility
Is Drum Fish Safe To Eat?
The short answer is yes, drum fish are safe to eat in moderation. While they may frequent muddy waters, drum fish do not typically contain contamination or toxins that make them dangerous to eat. According to state wildlife agencies, drum fish are not known to have excessive mercury levels compared to some other freshwater fish.
Drum fish are not a significant source of PCBs, dioxins, or other chemical pollutants either. State advisories permit unlimited consumption of drum fish for most people. However, pregnant women and young children should stick to 1-2 servings per month due to unknown effects these populations may have to potential contaminants. As long as you clean and cook drum fish thoroughly, they pose little health risk.
Do Drum Fish Taste Good?
Here is where things get interesting Some anglers report that drum fish have a sweet, mild flavor similar to snapper or grouper. Their white, flaky meat takes on the flavors of whatever you season or cook it with. However, other drum fish aficionados claim they can have a “muddy” taste if not prepared properly
Smaller drum fish around a pound or two tend to be the most palatable when it comes to flavor. Larger, older drum fish can develop a stronger taste, although blackening or deep frying can mask this. Overall, drum fish is considered excellent table fare by many fishermen. The key is care during cleaning and using the right recipes.
How To Clean Drum Fish For Eating
Proper cleaning and filleting is vital to end up with good-tasting drum fish fillets for cooking:
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Bleed drum fish immediately after catching by making a cut near the gills. This prevents blood from seeping into the meat.
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Scale the fish thoroughly with a fish scaler or spoon. Drum fish hold onto their scales tightly.
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Fillet by cutting vertically behind the pectoral fins down to the backbone on both sides.
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Trim off the red lateral line along each fillet since this can impart a strong flavor.
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Soak fillets in cold salted water 30 minutes to draw out any impurities.
Put in effort to remove all scales, skin, bloodline and lateral line when cleaning drum fish to avoid any muddy or fishy tastes.
5 Best Ways To Cook Drum Fish
Drum fish is versatile enough to be cooked using almost any method. Here are some of the best techniques to draw out its signature sweet, mild flavor:
1. Fry Drum Fish
Soaking drum fillets in buttermilk can help mitigate any lingering fishy flavors. Coat in seasoned flour or cornmeal and pan fry or deep fry drum fish until golden brown and flaky. The high heat of frying seals in moisture and gives drum fish a crispy exterior.
2. Bake Drum Fillets
Baking is a healthy option for cooking drum fish. Coat fillets in breadcrumbs or brush with oil and bake at 400°F until cooked through. The fillets will develop a nice crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. Season simply with salt, pepper and lemon.
3. Blacken Drum Fish
This New Orleans favorite involves coating drum fish with a spice blend containing paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper. Cook over extremely high heat in a cast iron skillet to create a delicious blackened crust on the fish.
4. Make Drum Fish Tacos
The meaty texture of drum fish works perfectly in tacos. Saute chunks of drum meat in a skillet along with taco seasoning. Then stuff in warm tortillas with cabbage, Pico de Gallo, avocado and lime juice.
5. Turn Into Drum Fish Cakes
You can transform drum fish into delicious fish cakes. Flake cooked drum meat and combine with diced vegetables, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. These make excellent appetizers or meals.
With the right prep and recipes like blackened drum or drum fish tacos, you can end up with tender white fillets that even choosy eaters will love. Don’t let the homely appearance turn you away from this sweet, affordable fish.
Now that you know drum fish is perfectly safe to eat and can taste delicious with proper cleaning and cooking methods, you may be wondering…
What Do Drum Fish Taste Like Compared To Other Fish?
Drum fish has often been described as having a flavor similar to red snapper or grouper. It has a sweet, mild taste and flaky white flesh like these fish. Here’s how it compares to some other popular eating fish:
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Tilapia – Drum fish has a bit more robust flavor than tilapia. Both have a white, flaky texture.
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Catfish – Drum has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than catfish which can sometimes taste muddy.
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Cod – Cod and drum have a comparable mild taste, but drum has a firmer texture.
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Halibut – Halibut has a more substantial, steak-like texture vs. the flakier drum meat. Drum has a sweeter, more subtle taste.
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Mahi mahi – Mahi is slightly firmer in texture and has a more distinct “fishy” flavor than the milder drum.
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Snapper – Snapper and drum have similar sweet, delicate flavors though snapper is slightly firmer.
In the end, drum fish offers its own unique taste profile that shares some similarities with popular whitefish like snapper, grouper, cod and halibut. Its sweet flavor and flaky texture make it a great choice for tacos, fish sandwiches, fish sticks and other recipes.
Nutritional Value Of Drum Fish
A 3 oz serving of cooked drum fish contains:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 2g
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 500mg
Drum fish is high in protein, low in fat, and provides a good dose of heart-healthy omega-3s. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice per week to gain nutritional benefits like these.
The ample protein in drum fish supports muscle growth and maintenance, while the omega-3s lower inflammation and triglycerides. Eating drum fish provides many of the same nutritional benefits as costlier fish like salmon or tuna.
Where To Catch Drum Fish
Drum fish inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers and coastal waters throughout much of North America. Good spots to catch drum include:
- Great Lakes
- Lake Okeechobee
- Lake Erie
- Lake Michigan
- Mississippi River
- Hudson River
- Chesapeake Bay
Target areas with sandy or muddy bottoms near drop offs. Drum feed heavily at night on critters like crayfish, insects, clams and shad. Use earthworms, minnows, shrimp or soft plastic jigs to catch them. Focus on weed lines, structure and creek channels that drum cruise for food.
Final Verdict On Drum Fish
So what’s the final verdict on whether drum fish, also called freshwater drum, is good eating? While they may not win beauty contests, drum fish have a tasty mild flavor when properly cleaned and cooked. Their texture is tender, white and flaky with a hint of sweetness. Frying, blackening, baking and grilling are all excellent options for preparing drum.
Stick to smaller drum fish under 5 pounds for the best flavor and texture. As long as precautions are taken to remove scales, lateral line and skin, drum can make delicious fish tacos, sandwiches, fish sticks and more. For a free fish that puts up a good fight, provides excellent table fare and has high nutritional value, look no further than the humble drum.
ARE FRESHWATER DRUM GOOD TO EAT? (We Find Out Once And For All)
Is drum fish good for You?
Drum fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and prevent the formation of blood clots. They also improve brain function, enhance mood, and support eye health.
Is it good to eat fish?
Fish is one of the healthiest foods on earth. It is loaded with important nutrients such as protein and vitamin D. Fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are very essential for body and brain growth and development. Some fish are high in mercury, which is related to brain developmental problems. Eating fish lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish may combat depression. Fish and fish products are the best sources of vitamin D. Eating fish has been linked to reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes and several other autoimmune diseases. Eating fish protects vision in old age, preventing age-related macular degeneration(AMD).
Can you eat drum fish?
If you are wondering if you can eat drum fish, the answer is yes. Not only is it a tasty seafood option, but it is also packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your health. By including drum fish in your diet, you can boost your protein intake and get a healthy dose of omega-3s.
Why do people eat drum fish?
In fact, many people love to cook drum fish because of its versatility and taste. Its meat is white, flaky, and mild-flavored, making it perfect for grilling, frying, baking, broiling, or even smoking. “I love cooking drum fish because you can do so much with it,” said chef Blair Machado.”