My First Fried Oysters of the Season

Fried Oysters are so simple to make and they make such a great snack! I love the crunchy texture of the fried panko with the creaminess of the oyster.

1 pound drained oysters
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tbsp of salt
1 tsp of cracked black pepper
1 quart of canola oil

Get 3 bowls ready for oyster dredging. In one bowl place the flour, in the second bowl place the egg and mix thoroughly with the milk, 1/2 tbsp of salt and the black pepper. In the third bowl add the panko crumbs with the remaining tablespoon of salt. Starting with the flour, dredge each oyster through the flour, dip in the egg mixture and then coat in the panko mixture. Once the oysters are coated allow them to rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while the oil is heating up. I think this rest period helps the panko coating dry a bit which results in a crunchier coating.

While the oysters are resting, heat the oil. You know the oil is ready when you stick the end of a wooden spoon in the oil and little bubbles are created around the end of the spoon. Fry the oysters in small batches being careful not to overcrowd. (Overcrowing will cool the oil down.)

My condiments of choice for oysters is pretty simple, as seen here. A slice of lemon and a smear of hot sauce.