Fried Oyster Salad With Pernod Buttermilk Dressing Recipes

FRIED OYSTER SALAD WITH LEMON DRESSING

Steps:

• In a deep skillet, heat 1/4 inch of the vegetable oil until very hot.
• While oil is heating, whisk the egg whites in a pie plate and set aside. In another pie plate, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper.
• When oil is ready, dip each oyster into egg whites, drain and then roll in flour mixture. Be sure all sides of oysters are coated with flour. Shake oysters lightly to remove excess flour and carefully arrange oysters in hot oil.
• When arranging oysters in pan, begin at outer edge and lay oysters in a ring around outside of pan. Place a few oysters in center. Do not crowd pan. When you finish laying out oysters, first ones will be ready to turn. Turn all oysters and cook just until they turn golden-brown, for about 2 minutes total. Remove oysters from oil, drain on paper towels and keep warm. Continue with remaining oysters, if needed; discard any remaining egg whites and flour mixture.
• Divide the arugula among serving plates. Divide fried oysters between portions of arugula, drizzle each plate with some of the Lemon Dressing and serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side.
• Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Meyer lemon juice, grated Parmesan and minced garlic. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. May be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.

FRIED OYSTER SALAD WITH PERNOD BUTTERMILK DRESSING

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the egg, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, green onions, 1/4 cup of the cheese, buttermilk, and Pernod. Pulse until smooth. Season the mixture with the Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil and mix until the mixture is thick. Reseason if necessary. Refrigerate the dressing until well chilled, about 1 hour.
• Season the oysters with Essence. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornmeal together. Season the flour with Essence. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil.
• Dredge the oysters in the seasoned flour, coating each side completely. Shake off the excess flour and carefully lay in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side.
• Remove the oysters from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the oysters with Essence. Set aside and keep warm.
• Toss the greens with the dressing and season with salt and pepper. Mound the greens in the center of each plate and arrange the oysters around the greens. Sprinkle the top of each salad with the remaining cheese.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.