
Blackened Drum Fillets is a Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender fillets of black drum fish coated in a bold, spicy spice blend and seared until the exterior forms a dark, flavorful crust. The dish typically includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme, often cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet with butter or oil. It originates from the Gulf Coast region of the United States, particularly Louisiana, where black drum is a popular local catch.
This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a lean, nutrient-dense meal. It provides key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium, with a rough calorie ballpark of 250-350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of fat used in cooking.
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Selenium | 40 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 fillet (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, blackening is a signature Cajun cooking technique popularized in the 1980s that transforms simple fish or meat into a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish. Nutritionally, black drum is a sustainable seafood choice rich in phosphorus and B vitamins, supporting muscle and nerve health.