Redfish, also known as red drum or channel bass, is a popular game fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. Known for its mild, sweet flavor and firm texture, redfish is delicious when prepared simply and makes a hearty and healthy meal. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook this flavorful fish.
1. How To Cook Redfish in Oven (Baked Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted, plus more for greasing the dish
- 1 1/2 pounds redfish fillets, about 1/2-inch thick (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 small to medium lemon)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the redfish fillets
Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. If the fillets have skin, place them skin-side down.
Make the butter sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, finely chopped onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Coat the fillets
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the redfish fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Bake
Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Serve
Remove the fish from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of citrus.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this redfish with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or fluffy rice for a complete meal. It’s also delicious alongside crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
2. How To Cook Redfish on Grill
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 2 to 3 pounds large fish fillets, skin and scales still on
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the brine
In a large bowl, dissolve the kosher salt in 4 cups of water. Add the crushed ice to chill the brine.
Brine the fish
Submerge the redfish fillets in the brine and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This step helps season the fish and keep it moist during grilling.
Preheat the grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F–400°F). Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Season the fillets
Remove the fish from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Brush the flesh side of the fillets with vegetable oil and sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over the top.
Grill the fish
Place the fillets on the grill, skin-side down, directly over the heat. Close the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The skin will protect the flesh while it cooks. Avoid flipping to keep the fillets intact.
Add buttery richness
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the flesh with melted butter for extra flavor.
Check doneness
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque.
Serve
Carefully remove the fillets from the grill using a spatula. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a zesty rice pilaf.
3. How To Cook Redfish on Stove
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 8 medium redfish fillets (about 1.25–1.5 pounds), cleaned and dried
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (add more if desired)
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh summer herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, thyme), small leaves, torn, or chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Fish
Pat the redfish fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly with Cajun seasoning and sea salt. Set aside while you prepare your pan.
Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Sear the Fillets
Place the fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the flesh begins to turn opaque.
Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes (don’t let it brown).
Stir in the fresh herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice and swirl the pan to combine.
Serve
Plate the redfish fillets and spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these fillets with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. This dish also works beautifully with crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
4. How To Cook Redfish in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 redfish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Prepare the fillets
Pat the redfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper.
Lightly brush or spray the fillets with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
Cook the fish
Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between fillets in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve
Remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Pair this air-fried redfish with a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed green beans for a wholesome meal.
Redfish is a versatile fish that pairs well with simple seasonings and many cooking methods. Bake, grill, pan-sear or air fry for easy, delicious meals that highlight the mild flavor of this Southern favorite.