Pan Fried Oyster Po’ Boys with Garlic-Onion Slaw
In the world of decadently delicious sandwiches, fried oyster po’ boys have little competition. Toasted hoagie rolls lined with beefsteak tomato slices and freshly made garlic-onion slaw, then topped with crispy, cornmeal crusted, pan fried oysters really can’t be beat (if you like oysters that is). To complete the indulgence, we added some sweet, salty veggie chips on the side. Be sure to read our recipe notes for some general hints on frying oysters.
Pan Fried Oyster Po’ Boys with Garlic-Onion Slaw
Ingredients
- 2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked
- 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying, see recipe notes
For the garlic-onion slaw:
- 4 to 5 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup sweet onion, e.g. Vidalia, very thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- Pinch of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
For the sandwiches:
- 2 medium ripe tomates, thickly sliced
- 4 hoagie rolls, 6-inch, split and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Combine the cornmeal, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, cayenne and paprika in a pie plate. In another pie plate, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Add the oysters to the egg-buttermilk mixture and turn gently with a large spoon to coat. Remove the oysters, one by one from the egg mixture with a pair of tongs and place in the crumbs. Turn several times to coat evenly with the crumb mixture, then transfer to a plate and let stand for 10 minutes.
- While the oysters "rest," make the garlic-onion slaw. Place the cabbage and sliced onion in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, sugar and hot sauce.
- Add to the cabbage-onion mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- Heat 1/4-inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (medium-high). Test the temperature of the oil by adding a pinch of the dry crumb mixture – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Add 1/2 the oysters and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning once, about 2-1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and blot very gently. Repeat with the remaining oysters.
- To assemble the sandwiches, line each roll with tomato slices and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Add a portion of the garlic-onion slaw and top with 6 oysters. Serve immediately.
One Comment on “Pan Fried Oyster Po’ Boys with Garlic-Onion Slaw”
Thank you for this recipe. The oysters were Fantastic! My first time pan-frying oysters and your hints were very helpful. Recipe is definitely a keeper. 🙂