Sesame Fried Oysters
Region: Arab Levant
Category: Antipasto, Meze, Tapas, and Hors d'Oeuvres
Season: Any
Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

I don't have a memory of ever eating oysters on any Arab coast, but I suppose if one were to dream up an Arab-style meze with oysters this might work.  In any case it's delicious. Most fishmongers sell shucked oysters in containers that simply need draining, making this preparation ideal for a quick preparation.  If you are serving the oysters in a more elegant setting or for guests, save 12 oyster shell halves and place the fried oysters in them.

[photo: Clifford A. Wright]

Yield: Makes 6 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

6 to 8 cups olive oil for frying

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sesame seeds and more for garnish

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

12 oysters, shucked

1. In a deep-fryer or an eight-inch saucepan with a wire fry basket, preheat the frying oil to 360 degrees F.

2. In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs, flour, sesame seeds, and season with salt and pepper.  Dredge the oysters in this mixture, coating all sides, then fry until crispy golden, 2 to 3 minutes.  Drain on paper towels, and serve hot garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Variation: 

Note: 

Posted: 12/11/2006