Fried Oysters Recipe: How to Serve Fried Oysters
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Apr 9, 2023 • 3 min read
Enjoy these crispy, deep-fried oysters as a summer snack, or sandwich them inside of a toasted baguette for a classic New Orleans–inspired oyster po’boy.
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What Are Fried Oysters?
Fried oysters are a crispy appetizer consisting of fresh oysters dipped in seasoned cornmeal batter and deep-fried in hot oil until crunchy and golden brown. Oysters are bivalve mollusks containing tender, briny oyster flesh encased between two hard, hinged shells. Although diners typically enjoy oysters fresh on the half-shell, deep-frying produces juicy yet crispy morsels that your backyard barbecue guests will enjoy.
5 Tips for Frying Oysters
Follow these tips to fry oysters perfectly every time.
- 1. Dry the oysters well. Before breading and deep-frying your oysters, remove as much of their moisture as possible. Thoroughly drain the mollusks and pat each dry with a paper towel to help the breading adhere to the slippery shellfish.
- 2. Experiment with additions. Customize your fried oysters with your favorite seasonings and breading ingredients. Swap the cornmeal coating for fine Panko breadcrumbs, or alter the flour mixture with flavorful additions like Old Bay and Cajun or Creole seasoning.
- 3. Keep the frying oil temperature consistent. For perfectly crispy fried oysters, heat the oil up to 370 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the oysters. Use a food thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, ensuring that it remains consistent throughout the cooking process.
- 4. Use a heavy pot or deep fryer. Make this crispy dish in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot with ample room for the oil. Cover the top with a splatter screen to prevent grease from dirtying your cooking area.
- 5. Store properly. Fried oysters will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For long-term storage, place the prepared oysters in a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat the frozen oysters in an air fryer or oven when you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Fried Oysters
There is no shortage of ways to enjoy these crispy, bite-sized snacks. Some of the most popular ways to serve fried oysters include:
- Alongside dipping sauce: The most classic way to serve fried oysters is as a snack or side dish with a small bowl of tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, herby aioli, or remoulade sauce for dipping.
- In a sandwich: Fried oyster sandwiches or po’boys are another popular way to enjoy oysters. Arrange the fried oysters on a halved baguette with pickled slaw, hot sauce, and remoulade for a decadent po’boy sandwich.
- On a salad: Top any green salad or grain bowl with fried oysters for a crunchy, savory hit of protein.
- On a seafood platter: Fried oysters make an excellent addition to any fried seafood platter. Complete the fried seafood medley with fried clams, calamari, and soft-shell crab.
Crispy Fried Oysters Recipe
makes
prep time
15 mintotal time
35 mincook time
20 minIngredients
Note: Total time does not include 10 minutes of inactive time.
- 1
Using a paper towel, pat down the drained oysters thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined. Toss the oysters in the buttermilk mixture and set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- 4
Lift an oyster out of the buttermilk mixture—allowing the excess liquid to drip off—and gently dredge it in the cornmeal mixture until it is completely coated. Repeat this process with the remaining oysters.
- 5
In a large stockpot or cast-iron saucepan over medium-high heat, heat about 3 inches of oil to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 6
Working in batches, add the oysters to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- 7
Fry the oysters until crispy and golden brown, about 2–3 minutes each.
- 8
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried oysters to a paper towel–lined plate or baking sheet to drain the excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining breaded oysters.
- 9
Serve the fried oysters hot with a spritz of fresh lemon juice and a side of tartar sauce.
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