I found this recipe a while back when it caught my eye on the internet. (Emeril’s cooking always does!) I saved the recipe so that I could put it in the Happy Chef for the first week of November. November ALWAYS brings thoughts of oysters to me! All great Thanksgiving family and friend get-togethers should include oysters – An oyster roast, some oyster stuffing, fried oysters, oyster stew – whatever your pleasure, just cook up some oysters this November and be thankful for the time shared with good food that makes for the most wonderful memories with friends and family! ENJOY!!
1/4 cup blanched corn
4 ripe Italian plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1/4 cup minced onions
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
3/4 cup freshly grated horseradish or bottled, if not prepared with cream
3 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Ground white pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows
1 cup masa harina
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
36 large freshly shucked oysters, liquor drained and reserved
1/2 cup olive oil
Combine the corn, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Mix well. Season the salsa with salt and pepper. Set the salsa aside. In a saucepan, combine the horseradish, shallots, garlic, mustard, white pepper and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, whisking gently. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, for about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
In a small bowl, season the flour with Essence. In another bowl, season the masa with Essence. In a third bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Season the oysters with Essence. Dredge the oysters in the seasoned flour. Dip the oysters in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the oysters in the seasoned masa, coating each side completely. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, carefully lay the oysters in the hot oil. Pan-fry the oysters for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the oysters from the pan and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the oysters with Essence. Serve the oysters with the horseradish cream and salsa.
Emeril’s ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast)
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
By Leigh Sackett [email protected]
