Oyster Orgy Salad Recipes

SPINACH AND CRISPY OYSTER SALAD WITH ROSEMARY-DIJON DRESSING

Steps:

• Rinse and drain the oysters, then dry them thoroughly on paper towels. On a plate or pie tin, combine the bread crumbs and herbs. Dip the oysters in frothy egg whites and then in herbed bread crumbs. Press the oysters in the crumbs to ensure an even coating. Lay the oysters on a tray in one layer and set aside or refrigerate (uncovered) until ready to cook. Prepare the spinach and divide among four plates. Arrange mushroom slices around the spinach. Heat 1 inch of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oysters and cook until evenly golden brown, about 4 minutes. Divide oysters evenly among the four plates. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with scallions. Serve immediately.
• Whisk together the shallots, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Stir in the rosemary and season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more oil if the dressing is too sharp.
• For this dish, I suggest panfrying in olive oil because I love the flavor, but you can use any neutral vegetable oil, such as canola or peanut. Either way, you should use enough oil to completely cover the bottom of the pan, and make sure it gets good and hot (but not smoking). To reduce spattering when frying, see that your oysters are dry before dipping them into the egg white and bread crumbs. You might also invest in a spatter screen, which is inexpensive and works well. If your mushrooms aren't nice enough to use raw, you can sauté them.

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.