Golden Crispy Buttermilk Fried Pacific Oysters

April 25, 2025

Buttermilk fried Pacific oysters deliver a decadent crunch and ocean-kissed flavor in every bite. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a spiced cornmeal crust, these oysters are a luxurious appetizer or seafood main that’s perfect for entertaining or indulging.

Golden Crispy Buttermilk Fried Pacific Oysters

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Oysters:

  • 1 pint shucked Pacific oysters, drained
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For Serving (Optional):

  • Lemon wedges
  • Homemade tartar sauce or spicy remoulade
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Oysters:
Place the oysters in a bowl with the buttermilk and let them soak for 20–30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.

2. Prepare the Dredge:
In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat the Oil:
Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Golden Crispy Buttermilk Fried Pacific Oysters Buttermilk fried Pacific oysters deliver a decadent crunch and ocean-kissed flavor in every bite. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a spiced cornmeal crust, these oysters are a luxurious appetizer or seafood main that’s perfect for entertaining or indulging. 🍽️ Ingredients For the Oysters: 1 pint shucked Pacific oysters, drained 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Vegetable oil, for frying For Serving (Optional): Lemon wedges Homemade tartar sauce or spicy remoulade Fresh herbs for garnish 👨‍🍳 Instructions 1. Marinate the Oysters: Place the oysters in a bowl with the buttermilk and let them soak for 20–30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor. 2. Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 3. Heat the Oil: Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). 4. Coat the Oysters: Remove the oysters from the buttermilk and dredge them in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere. 5. Fry the Oysters: Fry the oysters in small batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. 6. Drain and Serve: Place the fried oysters on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade. 🛒 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Buttermilk Fried Pacific Oysters 🦪 Shucking Knife for Oysters Essential tool for safe and easy oyster prep. 🥣 Buttermilk Powder (Shelf Stable) Great pantry staple if you don’t have fresh buttermilk. 🍽️ Cast Iron Skillet for Deep Frying Retains heat and fries evenly for the perfect crispy finish. 🌡️ Instant Read Cooking Thermometer Keep your oil at the right temp for golden, crispy oysters. 🍋 Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer Add that fresh citrus pop to every serving. 🍴 Wire Cooling Rack Set Helps keep oysters crispy after frying. 💡 Helpful Tip: For maximum crunch, serve the oysters immediately after frying. Letting them rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps them crispy and prevents sogginess.

4. Coat the Oysters:
Remove the oysters from the buttermilk and dredge them in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Fry the Oysters:
Fry the oysters in small batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

6. Drain and Serve:
Place the fried oysters on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Buttermilk Fried Pacific Oysters

💡 Helpful Tip: For maximum crunch, serve the oysters immediately after frying. Letting them rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps them crispy and prevents sogginess.