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Crispy Fried Oysters with Cajun Remoulade Sauce Recipe

4 from 137 reviews

Enjoy crispy fried oysters coated in a flavorful seasoned cornmeal batter, paired perfectly with a spicy Cajun remoulade sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a golden, crunchy exterior with tender, juicy oysters inside, making it an irresistible appetizer or snack for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Oysters and Coating

  • 1 pint fresh oysters, drained
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Cajun Remoulade Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Soak Oysters: Place the fresh oysters in a bowl and soak them in buttermilk for 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the oysters and helps the coating adhere better.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Dredge Oysters: Remove the oysters from the buttermilk and thoroughly coat each oyster in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  4. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or cast-iron pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
  5. Fry Oysters: Fry the oysters in small batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried oysters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb and drain any excess oil.
  7. Make Cajun Remoulade: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and lemon juice until smooth and combined.
  8. Serve: Serve the crispy fried oysters immediately with the Cajun remoulade sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use fresh oysters for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the remoulade to control the spice level.
  • Maintain the oil temperature to ensure oysters cook evenly and stay crispy, avoiding sogginess.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and verify the cornmeal is gluten-free.
  • Serve with lemon wedges for an added citrusy kick if desired.

Keywords: fried oysters, crispy oysters, Cajun remoulade, seafood appetizer, southern fried oysters, spicy remoulade sauce