Southern Fried Oysters

Name: Southern Fried Oysters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pint fresh oysters, shucked and drained; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; Vegetable oil, for frying; Lemon wedges, for serving

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 7 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Southern Fried Oysters are a delightful treat that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A classic in Southern cuisine, this dish brings a smile to anyone who loves seafood and a bit of crunch. Perfect for a weekend gathering or a special family dinner.

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Ingredients for Southern Fried Oysters

Oysters are the star of the show, providing a unique oceanic flavor that's both briny and sweet. Be sure they are fresh for the best taste.

All-purpose flour is crucial for creating a light and crispy coating.

Yellow cornmeal gives the oysters an extra crunch and a hint of sweetness.

Salt enhances all the flavors, while black pepper adds a mild heat.

Paprika provides a subtle smokiness, and cayenne pepper brings a gentle kick of spice.

Eggs and milk form a binding mixture that helps the coating stick to the oysters.

Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point.

Finally, lemon wedges offer a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature. Too hot, and they'll burn; too cool, and they'll turn greasy.
Don’t skip the double coating; it really makes a difference in the texture.
Fresh oysters are key. If they smell off, they probably are.

Serving Suggestions

These fried oysters pair wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw or a simple mixed greens salad. For a Southern feast, serve them alongside cornbread and a cold glass of iced tea. They also make a great topping for a po' boy sandwich with some remoulade sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?: Yes, as long as it has a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
How do I know if the oysters are fresh?: Fresh oysters should smell like the sea, not fishy. Check the sell-by date and buy from a reputable source.

Southern Fried Oysters Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and that pinch of cayenne. This mixture will be your crispy coating.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. This is going to help our dry mix stick to each oyster.

Take each oyster, dip it first in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Make sure they're well-coated; this ensures a nice crispy crust.

Heat up about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it to reach around 350°F, so it crisps the oysters without soaking them in oil.

Once your oil is hot, carefully add the oysters in batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, making them soggy rather than crispy. Fry each one for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're a beautiful golden brown.

Remove them and let them drain on some paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Serve them hot with a few lemon wedges on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute guests.
The perfect balance of crunch and tender seafood goodness.
Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Brings a Southern flair to your table.

Ingredients

1 pint fresh oysters, shucked and drained

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined.

3. Dip each oyster first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture, ensuring each is well coated.

4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

5. Carefully add oysters to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.