I love making these pan-fried oysters because they’re crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside. This simple recipe turns fresh oysters into a flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Crispy Pan-Fried Oysters
The oysters I bought were already shucked, which saved me a step, but if you’re using fresh oysters with shells, you can shuck them yourself before starting.
It’s not difficult, and freshly shucked oysters are just as delicious.
When it comes to cleaning the oysters, I have a little tip—add some cornstarch to the bowl while washing them.
The cornstarch helps remove any impurities and slimy residue from the oysters, leaving them perfectly clean. Just remember to handle the oysters gently to avoid breaking or tearing them during the process.
If you’re a fan of oysters but feel bored with the usual grilled oyster recipes, this dish is a game changer! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, giving you a fresh new way to enjoy your favorite seafood.
Don’t miss out on this recipe—it might just become your new favorite way to cook oysters!
Why You‘ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy: A perfect balance of textures with a crispy coating and a tender, flavorful interior.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like cornstarch, flour, and eggs.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 fresh oysters
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for cleaning oysters)
Batter
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 50g chopped green onions
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
Garnish (Optional)
- as desired chopped parsley
- as desired salt & pepper seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Oysters
Place the 10 fresh oysters in a bowl and add 2 tbsp cornstarch. Gently mix to coat the oysters. The cornstarch helps remove any surface mucus. Rinse the oysters thoroughly with plenty of water 2-3 times. Drain and set aside.
Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp five-spice powder, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well. Crack 2 eggs into the mixture and stir until the batter reaches the consistency of thick yogurt. Fold in 50g chopped green onions and mix until evenly incorporated.
Coat and Pan-Fry
Dip each oyster into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 tbsp cooking oil. Once the oil is hot (slightly smoking), carefully place the battered oysters into the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve
Arrange the cooked oysters on a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of salt & pepper seasoning if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen oysters for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen oysters can be used, but make sure they’re fully thawed and drained before starting.
Q: What is five-spice powder?
A: Five-spice powder is a blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I air-fry these instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes, you can air-fry them at 180°C (356°F) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the texture might be slightly less crispy than pan-frying.
Q: How do I ensure the batter sticks to the oysters?
A: Make sure the oysters are thoroughly drained and dry before coating them with the batter. This helps the batter adhere better.
Crispy Pan-Fried Oysters
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 fresh oysters
- 2 tbsp cornstarch for cleaning oysters
Batter
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 50 g chopped green onions
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
Garnish (Optional)
- as desired chopped parsley
- as desired salt & pepper seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Oysters
- Place the 10 fresh oysters in a bowl and add 2 tbsp cornstarch. Gently mix to coat the oysters. The cornstarch helps remove any surface mucus. Rinse the oysters thoroughly with plenty of water 2-3 times. Drain and set aside.
Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp five-spice powder, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well. Crack 2 eggs into the mixture and stir until the batter reaches the consistency of thick yogurt. Fold in 50g chopped green onions and mix until evenly incorporated.
Coat and Pan-Fry
- Dip each oyster into the batter, ensuring they're fully coated. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 tbsp cooking oil. Once the oil is hot (slightly smoking), carefully place the battered oysters into the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve
- Arrange the cooked oysters on a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of salt & pepper seasoning if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.