Blackened Drum Recipe

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Servings: 6
• Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 6): Calories 1217, Total Fat 89 g, Saturated Fat 45 g, Carbohydrates 68 g, Dietary Fiber 13 g, Sugars 25 g, Protein 43 g, Cholesterol 299 mg, Sodium 1642 mg
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting)
• Active Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Green Beans:

• 2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed at ends
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Blackened Drum:

• 1 cup Cajun blackening seasoning
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (optional, adjust if your seasoning mix contains salt)
• 6 skinless black drum fillets
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• Herb Butter (recipe below) for serving

Herb Butter:

• 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup lemon juice plus 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Instructions

Fire up your kitchen for this bold, flavorful feast! Searing sweet potatoes, crisp green beans, and spicy blackened drum promise an unforgettable meal that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.

1. Sweet Potatoes: Heat a large skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add grapeseed oil and cubed sweet potatoes. Sear for 2-3 minutes, then reduce to medium heat. Stir occasionally until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in molasses, chili powder, and cayenne; coat evenly and cook 2-3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper; keep warm.
2. Green Beans: Boil a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons salt per gallon). Prep an ice water bath. Blanch green beans in batches to avoid crowding, 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Shock in ice bath, drain, and dry well.
3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Melt butter, add blanched beans, and saut until tender and lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Squeeze in lemon juice, season, and keep warm.
4. Blackened Drum: Taste your Cajun seasoning; mix in kosher salt if needed. Coat fillets generously on both sides.
5. Heat skillet over high with grapeseed oil. Add fish; cook until spices blacken into a crispy crust, 3-4 minutes per side. Rest briefly.
6. To Serve: Mound sweet potatoes on plates, top with green beans and fish. Crown with herb butterwatch it melt into perfection!

Herb Butter Preparation

1. Blend softened butter, lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Season to taste.
2. Chill covered; lasts up to one week.

Note: This chef-contributed recipe is pro-level inspirationperfect your technique and wow your guests!