Redfish

Alternative Names: Red Drum

Monterey Bay Recommendation: Red drum farmed in the United States in ponds is a "Best Choice." The industry operates on a small scale, and regulatory oversight is strong. Farm waste (effluent) and chemical use are low, and no antibiotics are used. The risk of farmed fish escaping is minimal, and the broodstock is sourced from healthy wild populations.

Uses in Cooking: This fish is famous for being blackened, but is outstanding in many other preparations. It can be poached, grilled with skin or without, broiled, baked, or sauteed.

Similar Fish:  White Seabass, Blue Nose, Halibut

Description: This is my favorite fish, without question. It has a firm beefy texture with a subtle juicy flavor that has a hint of iron to it. It cooks up to a buttery bright white with just the right amount of fat in it.

Fun Facts: This fish is so delicious that it almost went extinct. In the 1980's when Paul Prudhomme made blackened redfish popular outside of the gulf region, the demand was so insatiable that it was wildly overfished. They are still difficult to get outside of the gulf. Some imported farmed fish can be found, but the quality is not very good.