Fried Oysters with Willabay Breading

Fried Oysters with Willabay Breading

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh, live oysters
• 1 cup Willabay Breading
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Oysters:

1. Clean the Oysters: Scrub the oysters under cold running water with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Shucking the Oysters: Using an oyster knife, carefully shuck each oyster by inserting the knife into the hinge of the oyster, twisting gently until the shell pops open. Slide the knife along the top shell to detach the oyster from the bottom shell. Discard the top shell and loosen the oyster from the bottom shell without detaching it completely. You can also use fresh jarred oysters if you prefer not to shuck them.

Breading the Oysters:

1. Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to create an egg wash. In another shallow dish, pour the Willabay Breading.
2. Coat the Oysters: Dip each shucked oyster into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the oyster in the Willabay Breading, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded oysters on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Frying the Oysters:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to submerge the oysters halfway.
2. Fry the Oysters: Carefully place the breaded oysters in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the oysters halfway through cooking.
3. Drain and Rest: Once the oysters are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for a minute before serving to let any excess oil drip off.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the fried oysters hot, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the oysters. Optionally, serve with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for dipping.
2. Enjoy: These fried oysters with Willabay Breading are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy.

These crispy fried oysters with Willabay Breading are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful oysters inside!