Southwest Fried Oysters

Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold flavors, Southwest Fried Oysters bring a zesty twist to the classic fried seafood dish. These expertly seasoned oysters are coated in a flavorful blend of paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then fried to crispy perfection. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, each bite is packed with a spicy, savory kick that's perfectly complemented by a squeeze of fresh lime. Finished with an optional garnish of cilantro for a fresh pop of color, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for game day gatherings, casual dinners, or special occasions. Serve these fried oysters piping hot for a taste of the Southwest that will leave everyone wanting more!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces shucked oysters
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the oysters under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk together until fully mixed.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil's temperature for consistent frying.

Step 5

Dip each oyster into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Allow excess liquid to drip off.

Step 6

Dredge the oyster in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 7

Carefully place the coated oysters into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried oysters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve the fried oysters immediately with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2244.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5959.4

Total Fat 524.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 846.4mg	0%
Sodium 4224.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 237.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 13.6g
Protein 118.8g	0%

Vitamin D 4020.6IU	0%
Calcium 1060.9mg	0%
Iron 95.2mg	0%
Potassium 2670.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.8%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 15.5%