How to Make Crispy Southern Fried Oysters
Few dishes capture the essence of Southern seafood like crispy fried oysters. Lightly battered and golden brown, these oysters are crunchy on the outside while staying plump and juicy on the inside. Whether you're making them for a seafood feast, a game day snack, or a po’ boy sandwich, this guide will show you how to fry up the perfect batch.
And if you want to skip the hassle of shucking, grab Freshly Shucked Oysters and Ragin Cajun y'All Purpose Breading Mix or Louisiana Fish Fry Coatings to make frying easy and delicious.
Ingredients for Fried Oysters
For the Oysters:
- 1 pint Freshly Shucked Oysters (or quart size for a larger batch)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun’s Choice Creole Seasoning or Slap Ya Mama Hot Blend Cajun Seasoning for extra spice
Or skip the mixing and use:
- Louisiana Fish Fry Shrimp Fry (25lb) – A light, flavorful cornmeal coating
- Cajun’s Choice Seasoned Fish Fry (8oz) – Perfectly seasoned for crispy results
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (peanut oil or canola oil works best)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oysters
- Drain the Freshly Shucked Oysters and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk with hot sauce (if using).
- Place the oysters in the buttermilk mixture and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better and adds tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and Cajun’s Choice Creole Seasoning.
- If you want a shortcut, use Louisiana Fish Fry Shrimp Fry or Cajun’s Choice Seasoned Fish Fry for a perfectly seasoned crust.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F.
- To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small pinch of flour—it should sizzle and rise to the top.
Step 4: Coat the Oysters
- Remove the oysters from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge them in the breading mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
- Shake off any excess coating before frying.
Step 5: Fry the Oysters
- Carefully drop the oysters into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Fried oysters are best served hot and crispy. Try them with:
- Cocktail sauce or remoulade
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce for extra kick
- As a po’ boy sandwich on French bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
Want an Easier Way to Fry?
Make your life easier with these pre-seasoned fry mixes:
- Louisiana Fish Fry Shrimp Fry (25lb) – A light, crispy cornmeal batter
- Cajun’s Choice Seasoned Fish Fry (8oz) – A perfectly blended, flavorful mix
- Slap Ya Mama Hot Blend Cajun Seasoning (8oz) – Great for spicy fried oysters
Tips for the Best Fried Oysters
- Use Fresh Oysters: For the best flavor, use Freshly Shucked Oysters rather than frozen.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Maintaining 350°F ensures a crispy, non-greasy fry.
- Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy oysters.
- Let Them Rest: Draining on a wire rack instead of paper towels helps keep them crisp.
Get Everything You Need for the Best Fried Oysters
Whether you’re making them from scratch or using Louisiana Fish Fry Coatings, these products will help you get the perfect crispy bite:
- Freshly Shucked Oysters (Pint) – Fresh, ready-to-cook oysters
- Freshly Shucked Oysters (Quart) – Perfect for larger batches
- Louisiana Fish Fry Shrimp Fry (25lb) – A crispy, seasoned coating
- Cajun’s Choice Seasoned Fish Fry (8oz) – A traditional seafood fry mix
- Cajun’s Choice Creole Seasoning (10oz) – Perfect for a Louisiana-style kick
Bring the Taste of the Gulf to Your Kitchen
Now that you know how to fry crispy, golden oysters, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, topping a po’ boy, or enjoying them on their own, Southern-style fried oysters never disappoint.
So heat up the fryer, grab your favorite seasoning, and enjoy a true taste of Louisiana.
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