Fried Oysters Recipe (2024)

Fried Oysters Recipe

Looking for the best fried oysters recipe out there? This is it! This dish brings me back to New Orleans, where we had our selection of amazing Oyster Po' Boy Sandwiches as we ambled about the French Quarter.

Fried oysters are certainly a delicacy, as least they are to me. They're simple things, but simple is best when you're cooking with the freshest oysters plucked straight from the sea.

What You'll Love About This Recipe

You'll love these fried oysters because we start with plump, meaty oysters that burst when you bite into them.

The breading is the best, made with a mix of seasoned cornmeal and cornstarch for crispy, crunchy texture you won't get anywhere else.

These are just how I like to make them at home.

Let's talk about how to make fried oysters, shall we?

How to Make Fried Oysters - the Recipe Method

Heat the Frying Oil. Get your fry oil nice and hot in a large pot. Get ready for frying! You can also use your fryer if you have one.

The amount of oil can vary, depending on how you want to fry - deep fry or pan fry.

Mix your Dredge. Mix your cornmeal and cornstarch with your seasonings in a bowl.

Dredge and Fry Your Oysters. Dredge the oysters into the cornmeal mixture, then fry them up in batches, a few minutes each, until they turn a wonderful golden brown.

It is best to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Small batches helps to keep the oil hot and keeps them from sticking together.

Drain the beautiful fried oysters on a wire rack, or on layers of a paper towel line plate. Let the drained oysters drip any excess oil.

Boom! Done! Your fried oysters are ready to serve. Are you ready to dig in? Don't forget the creamy remoulade! Or the hot sauce!

Recipe Tips & Notes

• Use the freshest oysters available. Look for ones that are plump with a fresh briny scent, not a strong fishy smell. If you can't buy fresh oysters, canned work great as well.
• Be careful if shucking your own oysters. Wear protective gloves or use a towel, as well as a sharp knife or oyster knife, and beware to not break the tender oyster meat.
• Consider a lighter pan fry for a less oily version. Use only 1/2 inch of peanut oil or vegetable oil. Just be sure to flip the breaded oysters as often as needed to get all sides.

Serving Fried Oysters

Fried oysters are delicious when served with a dipping sauce and a lemon wedge. Consider these sauces for serving:

• Remoulade Sauce
• Tartar Sauce
• co*cktail Sauce

They are also popularly served on some type of bread as a sandwich, such as Oyster Po’ Boys, Fried Oysters on Toast, Fried Oysters and Rice, Fried Oyster and Bacon Sandwich, or a "Peacemaker" sandwich.

Cookbook Recommendation

If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.

• The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)