There’s something special about cooking redfish recipe. Whether you’re grilling it with zesty lemon butter, blackening it Cajun-style, or baking it with fresh herbs, this fish is a true seafood lover’s delight. Known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture, redfish (also called red drum) is a versatile choice for home cooks.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best red fish recipes, from simple classics to creative gourmet dishes. You’ll also learn the best ways to prepare, cook, and serve redfish—plus expert tips to bring out its rich flavor.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Redfish and Its Culinary Uses
Before we jump into the best redfish recipes, let’s get to know this flavorful fish a little better.
What Is Redfish?
Redfish, or red drum, is a popular saltwater fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. It’s often confused with red snapper, but the two are different species. Redfish has a slightly firm texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods.
You’ll usually find redfish whole, filleted, or on the half shell (where the skin and scales are left on one side). The latter is a favorite for grilling since the skin protects the fish from drying out.
Why Redfish Is a Popular Choice for Cooking
People love cooking with redfish because:
- It has a mild, non-fishy taste, making it great for different seasonings.
- The firm texture holds up well in grilling, searing, and baking.
- It’s easy to cook, even for beginners.
- It absorbs flavors beautifully, from bold Cajun spices to delicate lemon and butter.
The Best Ways to Prepare Redfish recipe
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy redfish. Here are some of the most popular:
- Grilled redfish – Cooks quickly and brings out a smoky, charred flavor.
- Blackened redfish – Uses bold Cajun spices and a hot skillet for a crispy crust.
- Baked redfish – A simple, hands-off method that keeps the fish moist.
- Pan-seared redfish – Perfect for crispy, golden-brown fillets.
- Redfish tacos – A delicious way to enjoy flaky fish with fresh toppings.
Whichever method you choose, redfish is sure to impress. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the best red fish recipes you can try today!
Classic Redfish recipes to Try Today
Now that you know why redfish is such a great choice, let’s dive into some classic red fish recipes. These tried-and-true dishes bring out the best in this flavorful fish. Whether you like it grilled, blackened, or baked, there’s a recipe here for you!
Redfish on the Half Shell Recipe
This Louisiana favorite keeps the skin and scales on one side of the fillet while grilling. It locks in moisture and adds a smoky, charred flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets (on the half shell)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush olive oil over the flesh side of the fish.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place fillets skin-side down on the grill. Don’t flip! Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and melted butter before serving.
This grilled redfish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Blackened Redfish with Cajun Seasoning
If you love bold flavors, you’ll love blackened redfish. This dish became famous thanks to Chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
- Coat redfish fillets with olive oil and rub in Cajun seasoning.
- Melt butter in the skillet and immediately add the fish.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until a dark crust forms.
Serve this spicy blackened redfish with rice, coleslaw, or a creamy remoulade sauce.
Grilled Redfish with Lemon Butter Sauce
This simple yet delicious dish highlights redfish’s natural flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Season fillets with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until flaky.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in lemon juice.
- Pour sauce over fish and sprinkle with parsley.
Enjoy this light, flavorful dish with grilled asparagus or mashed potatoes.
Easy and Quick Red Fish Recipes
Short on time? No problem! These quick red fish recipes are simple, fast, and packed with flavor.
Oven-Baked Redfish recipe with Herbs
Baking redfish is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. This recipe is great for busy nights!
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before serving.
Serve this tender baked redfish with steamed vegetables or rice.
Pan-Seared Redfish with Garlic Butter
This crispy pan-seared redfish is buttery, flaky, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Season fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place fish in the pan and cook 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
This dish goes great with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Simple Redfish Tacos with Fresh Salsa
Turn redfish into delicious tacos with fresh toppings!
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 small tortillas
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Season fillets with chili powder and salt.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until flaky.
- Warm tortillas and fill with fish.
- Top with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
These fresh, zesty tacos are perfect with guacamole or a side of rice.
Creative and Unique Redfish Dishes
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, these creative redfish recipes will take your cooking to the next level. From rich, saucy dishes to gourmet-style plates, these meals make redfish the star of the show.
Redfish Courtbouillon: A Flavorful Cajun Stew
This Louisiana-inspired dish is a tomato-based stew packed with bold spices and tender redfish fillets.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fish or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Add redfish chunks and cook for 10 minutes, until tender.
- Remove bay leaf and serve with rice or crusty bread.
This savory, spicy dish is a classic comfort meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Stuffed Redfish recipe with Crab and Shrimp
Want a restaurant-quality meal at home? Try stuffing redfish fillets with a delicious crab and shrimp mixture.
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- ½ cup lump crab meat
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix crab meat, shrimp, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, melted butter, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Slice a pocket in each redfish fillet and stuff with the mixture.
- Place fillets on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
This rich, seafood-stuffed dish is perfect for special occasions!
Redfish recipe with Pomme Purée for a Gourmet Experience
For an elegant dinner, pair crispy redfish with silky-smooth pomme purée (French-style mashed potatoes).
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until soft, then drain and mash with butter, cream, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear redfish for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve fish over pomme purée with a drizzle of olive oil.
This simple yet elegant dish is great for impressing guests!
For more seafood meal ideas, check out this salmon pesto pasta recipe.
Tips for Cooking and Serving Redfish recipe
Now that you have some amazing red fish recipes, let’s go over a few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time.
How to Choose Fresh Redfish
When buying redfish, always look for:
- Bright, clear eyes – Cloudy eyes mean the fish isn’t fresh.
- Firm, springy flesh – Press it lightly; it should bounce back.
- A clean, ocean-like smell – If it smells too “fishy,” it’s past its prime.
Buying high-quality fish ensures your dish will taste amazing.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Redfish
Pair your red fish recipes with sides that complement the flavors. Here are a few great choices:
- Cajun rice – Spicy, flavorful, and perfect for blackened redfish.
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a fresh touch.
- Sweet potato mash – The slight sweetness balances out bold seasonings.
For more side dish ideas, check out this old-fashioned sweet potato casserole.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Redfish
To keep your leftovers fresh, follow these steps:
- Refrigerate cooked redfish in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze raw fillets in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 6 months.
- Reheat gently by steaming or warming in a pan with butter to prevent drying out.
For more meal prep ideas, check out this ground turkey shepherd’s pie.
FAQs about Redfish recipe:
- What’s the best way to eat redfish?
Redfish is incredibly versatile, but one of the best ways to enjoy it is blackened—a classic Cajun preparation where the fish is coated in a bold spice blend and seared in a hot skillet. Other excellent methods include grilling with a bit of lemon and garlic, baking with herbs and butter, or pan-searing for a crispy skin. - Is redfish a good eating fish?
Yes, redfish (also called red drum) is a great eating fish! It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture, making it ideal for many cooking styles. Smaller redfish (under 10 pounds) tend to be the best for eating, as larger ones can be tougher and have a stronger flavor. - What is the best eating red fish?
While redfish (red drum) is delicious, some people consider red snapper the best red fish for eating due to its delicate, flaky texture and mild, slightly nutty taste. Other excellent red-fleshed fish include sockeye salmon and ocean perch, depending on what you’re looking for in flavor and texture. - How is redfish served?
Redfish is commonly served blackened, grilled, baked, or fried. It’s often paired with Cajun or Creole sides like dirty rice, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. Another popular way to serve redfish is on the half shell, where the fillet is grilled with the skin and scales still attached, helping to lock in moisture and flavor.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and versatile seafood option, a redfish recipe is definitely worth trying. Not only is redfish easy to prepare, but it also pairs well with a variety of flavors, from bold Cajun spices to light and refreshing citrus marinades. Even better, whether you prefer grilling, baking, or pan-searing, there’s a perfect method for every taste.
Moreover, redfish is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it a great choice for seafood lovers who want a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, since it’s widely available, you won’t have to search too hard to find fresh fillets at your local market. So, why not try a redfish recipe today? Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this flavorful fish is sure to impress.
Finally, don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings, side dishes, and cooking techniques to make your redfish meal truly unique. And if you love trying new recipes, be sure to check out more seafood ideas on our blog. Happy cooking!