Can I Eat Redfish And What Does It Taste Like?

Redfish, also known as red drum, is a popular game fish found along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. But after you catch one you may find yourself wondering, what it tastes like and is redfish actually good to eat?

To answer some of your questions, we thought we’d put together a short guide, so that the next time you happen to land a redfish you’ll know whether or not you can cook it up for a tasty dinner.

Is Redfish Safe To Eat?

Generally redfish, or red drum, is safe to eat as long as it is cooked thoroughly. However, it’s not recommended for you to eat it raw, such as in sushi, because it’s an ocean fish that could contain parasites.

If you’re over the age of 15 and are not a woman of childbearing age, eating redfish is considered safe to eat up to four times a week.

For children under the age of 15 it’s recommended that they don’t eat more than two portions of redfish in a week. The same advice is recommended for women of childbearing age.

What About When Pregnant?

Redfish can be a safe fish to eat while pregnant because it is believed to be low in mercury and can therefore be safely eaten up to two times per week.

Women of childbearing age and pregnant women are advised not to eat fish that are high in mercury, so red drum could be a good alternative, as long as you stick to within the recommended maximum of two portions a week.

What Does Redfish Taste Like?

Smaller redfish are often found to be the tastiest; usually ones under around 10 or 15 pounds. The meat is white with a medium flaky texture and is similar to the meat of red snapper in both texture and flavor.

It has a mild flavor that can be used in a lots of different recipes and can often be a good alternative to haddock, monkfish or sea bass. It can be cooked in a variety of different ways, including on the grill.

Video: Grilled Redfish On The Half Shell Recipe

Conclusion

It can be perfectly safe for you to eat redfish, as long as you make sure it’s properly cooked through and you don’t eat more than the recommended guidelines suggest.

Redfish can be a tasty alternative to several other species of fish and can be an easy one to catch if you’re fishing in the right spots.

Do you have a particularly good recipe for redfish? Let us know about it. And if you think your friends could benefit from this guide, please share it with them.