Panko Sesame Fried Oysters

I discovered this homemade coating for fried oysters a few years ago from a local chef, then tried it on fried shrimp, and now also use it for fried chicken and fish fillets.

If you've never tried Panko crumbs, they're coarse, crunchy bread crumbs from Japan, made from wheat bread; they also stay crispy longer in recipes whether used as coating for frying or topping in casseroles.  Asian markets carry them as do most grocery stores.

I make a large batch of coating mixture, keeping it frozen in a plastic bag to take out for use whenever deciding to fry lightly, or deep fry food.  It's more convenient than making a new batch of coating every time it's needed, and there's always enough depending on how many servings I'm making or what I'm frying.

I buy pint of medium-size, which has a dozen oysters. For the two of us, I serve 3 each and freeze the rest in their juices.  Defrost in the refrigerator a day ahead of time. 

Panko Sesame Fry Mix
Equal amounts of: Sesame seeds, flour, Panko crumbs. I use 1 cup of each, then add salt and pepper to taste and for extra "kick" Old Bay type seasoning approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Store in freezer.

Fried Oysters
Drain oysters and toss with flour in a bowl to coat lightly, dip in beaten egg combined a little water, then coat with dry Panko mixture by putting the amount of coating needed in a bag (plastic or paper) and toss in oysters, a few at a time, shaking the bag until coated - take them out and let rest 5 or more minutes for coating to set before frying.  

In a hot skillet, fry at 350 degrees for a minute or two on each side until golden brown. Fry a few at a time, don't crowd them, drain on a paper towel, then keep warm in the oven. Allow 3 or 4 oysters per serving.

Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, horseradish, tarter sauce, or a homemade sauce of ketchup mixed with horseradish to taste.

Estimated cost: A dozen fresh medium size oysters here costs about $7.50; about $1.88 per serving.

Pin It