Best Calabash Fried Oysters Recipes

BEST SOUTHERN CRISPY FRIED OYSTERS

Steps:

• While the oil heats, pour the oysters into a colander or strainer and let them drain. Then, rinse with fresh water to wash off any debris or shell fragments.
• Pour the buttermilk into a medium-sized bowl and dunk the drained oysters.
• Place the cornmeal, flour, creole seasoning, and salt in a shallow bowl or pie plate and whisk to combine.
• Remove the oysters from the buttermilk one at a time and dredge them in the cornmeal mixture. Toss gently and make sure they are well coated, then shake any excess breading off.
• Place the coated oysters on a metal cooling rack until all of them have been coated. Letting them sit for a few minutes helps to fuse the breading and buttermilk and keeps the breading from falling off when they are fried.
• Place a large stockpot, Dutch oven, or cast iron skillet with high sides over medium-high heat and add one to two inches of oil.
• Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to test the oil temperature, and when it reaches 370 °F, carefully add the oysters, one at a time to fry. Depending on the size of your pan, it works best to fry in batches and only cook six to eight at a time. You do not want to crowd them. (Maintain a consistent heat of 370 °F by increasing or decreasing the heat under the pan.)
• Let the oysters fry for about two to three minutes, stirring occasionally or until the breading is light golden brown and the meat is opaque with the edges slightly curled. Use a wire kitchen spider or slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place on a paper towel or wire cooling rack to drain.
• Repeat until all of the oysters are fried and serve immediately. Optional, garnish with fresh lemon or lime slices and serve with your choice of sauce and sides.

FRIED OYSTERS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika and hot sauce in a casserole dish. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper together in a separate casserole dish.
• Add the oysters to the buttermilk and let soak. Then remove, letting the excess drip off, and dredge through the cornmeal mixture, tapping off the excess. Fry in the hot oil in batches, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot with the Remoulade Sauce.
• Mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

CALABASH STYLE FRIED SHRIMP

Steps:

• stir together flour and cornstarch in a shallow baking dish until well combined.
• In a separate dish, mix eggs & 1 cup of milk together
• Place a heavy cast iron skillet over medium heat. Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches or so, into the skillet.
• Heat oil over medium-medium high heat.
• When oil reaches roughly 375 degrees, dip shrimp in egg mixture and dredge in flour, then place shrimp in hot oil, being careful not to crowd the skillet. Turn shrimp as needed.
• Line serving dish with paper towels near skillet.
• Cook shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes or just until golden and crispy. . Remove to paper towels. Salt to taste before serving.