Crispy Fried Oysters With Sweet Corn Cilantro Salsa Food

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 WITH HORSERADISH CREAM AND TOMATO CORN SALSA

Steps:

• Combine the corn, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Mix well. Season the salsa with salt and pepper. Set the salsa aside. In a saucepan, combine the horseradish, shallots, garlic, mustard, white pepper and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, whisking gently. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, for about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
• In a small bowl, season the flour with Essence. In another bowl, season the masa with Essence. In a third bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Season the oysters with Essence. Dredge the oysters in the seasoned flour. Dip the oysters in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the oysters in the seasoned masa, coating each side completely. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, carefully lay the oysters in the hot oil. Pan-fry the oysters for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the oysters form the pan and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the oysters with Essence. Serve the oysters with the horseradish cream and salsa.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William Morrow, 1993.

CILANTRO SALSA

Steps:

• For a rustic salsa, chop everything finely. Combine the ingredients, stir in the oil and add a little water to thin. Or, for a finer texture, puree everything finely in a food processor.

CRISPY OYSTERS WITH CHILE DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat a fryer or wok filled 1/2 way with oil to 400 degrees. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, Old Bay and slowly add the soda until a pancake batter consistency is achieved. Dip each oyster in the batter and fry until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy, chiles, sugar and sesame oil.
• PLATING: Cover a large platter with greens and place a small bowl of dipping sauce in the middle. Surround with hot oysters.

OYSTER-CORN FRITTER WITH THREE VINEGAR EMULSION

Steps:

• Whip egg whites to hard peak. In a large stainless steel bowl, mix polenta, milk, oil and egg yolks. Fold in egg whites and corn. Add scallions, chiles, sugar, salt and pepper. Should have a consistency of thick pancake butter. Coat oysters lightly in flour. Dip oysters in batter and deep fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the fritters are GB&D (golden, brown and delicious). Season fritters immediately after frying. Place small mound of salad in the middle of a white plate and surround with fritters. Drizzle plate with emulsion.
• Mix all three vinegars and reduce in a stainless steel pan on low heat. Reduce by 80 percent until a syrup consistency is achieved. Place shallots, syrup, salt and pepper in a blender cup. Blend at high speed while drizzling in the oil. Check for seasoning.

DEEP FRIED OYSTERS

Steps:

• Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine flour, salt and black pepper. Dredge oysters in flour mixture, dip in egg and roll in bread crumbs.
• Carefully slide oysters into hot oil. Cook five at a time until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels. Serve hot.