Fried oysters are one of the most loved seafood dishes all around the world. If you are serving this delicious dish, you need to have the right sides to complement the dish.
The key is to find sides that will enhance the seafood flavor rather than overpower the dish. So, what to serve with fried oysters?
As a chef with years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve had the pleasure of trying many side dishes that complement fried oysters perfectly.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your next fried oyster dish, read on for a list of the perfect side dishes you can serve with this authentic southern dish.
I am confident that you will find the perfect side dish to complement your fried oysters and make your meal a memorable one.
What are fried oysters? What do fried oysters taste like?
Fried oysters are a popular seafood dish comprised of freshly shucked oysters that have been battered and deep-fried.
The result is a crunchy, golden exterior encasing the juicy, briny interior of the oyster. The flavor profile of fried oysters is a perfect marriage between the salty ocean taste with an added hint of sweetness from the batter mix.
Some restaurants opt for a thicker batter mixture for their fried oysters, giving it a crunchier texture due to the increased surface area, while others prefer to go light on the batter for a lighter, more elegant flavor profile.
Fried oysters can be served as an appetizer or even as part of main dishes such as sandwiches or po’boy sandwiches.
Popular accompaniments for fried oysters include tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, rémoulade or cocktail sauce.
Additionally, they can be enjoyed with lemon wedges to add an extra zing to their flavor.
Best Sides to serve with fried oysters
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is an ideal classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried oysters. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor balance the rich taste of the oysters.
You can make coleslaw at home using fresh cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise-based dressing.
2. French Fries
Fried oysters and French fries are a match made in heaven. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, French fries add a nice crunch to the meal.
3. Baked Potato
For a classic side dish, serve baked potato with fried oysters. You can top your potato with butter, cheese, sour cream, and chives to add more flavor.
Discover More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Twice-Baked Potatoes
4. Green Salad
A simple salad made from fresh green vegetables such as lettuce, arugula, and spinach is a great way to add some nutrition to your meal. The fresh greens will also provide a refreshing taste that pairs well with the oysters.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
This classic comfort food is a great side option for fried oysters. The whipped, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese pairs well with the saltiness of the oysters.
6. Onion Rings
Similar to French fries, onion rings add a crispy texture to your meal. The mild flavor of onion rings complements the oysters without overpowering them.
7. Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is an excellent choice for a side dish. The sweet and savory flavors of corn contrast well with the salty taste of fried oysters.
8. Garlic Bread
To add an Italian touch to your meal, serve garlic bread with your fried oysters. The bread’s garlicky flavor pairs well with the oysters and enhances their flavors.
9. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are small balls of cornmeal that are commonly served alongside fried seafood. They are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, providing another texture to your meal.
10. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that works well with fried oysters. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes harmonizes with the crispy texture of the oysters.
11. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair well with fried oysters. The smoky flavor and crunchy texture of grilled veggies balance the fried oysters’ saltiness.
12. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is an excellent choice for a nutritious side dish that goes well with fried oysters. This vegetable is easily roasted in the oven and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with oysters.
13. Tomato Salad
A simple salad made from fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese is a refreshing choice for a side dish. It provides a contrasting flavor to the fried oysters and adds a healthy touch to the meal.
14. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic side dish that pairs well with fried oysters. You can make it at home using boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs.
Learn More: Best Side Dishes to serve with Potato Salad and Baked Beans
15. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a Southern staple that pairs perfectly with fried oysters. The crispy texture and taste of this vegetable complement the oysters and provide another layer of flavor.
16. Lemon Wedges
Fried oysters taste great with a burst of acidity from a fresh lemon. Cut some wedges and squeeze them over your oysters for an added zing.
17. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables are a great side dish for fried oysters. The sourness and tanginess from the pickled vegetables add an ideal depth of flavor to the dish. (Recipe)
18. Biscuits
Soft and buttery biscuits are a great accompaniment to fried oysters. They help to soak up any grease from the fried oysters while adding their own distinct flavor.
Explore More: What to Serve with Biscuits
19. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a must-have with fried oysters. The hearty flavor and crispiness are the perfect complement to the buttery oysters.
20. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is the herbaceous, tangy cousin of coleslaw. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese make for a tasty and refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the fried oysters.
21. Cornbread
Cornbread is an ideal classic Southern side dish and is a great choice to accompany fried oysters. The sweetness of the cornbread works well with the saltiness of the fried oysters.
22. Sweet Potato Fries
The crunchy sweetness of sweet potato fries balances out the saltiness of fried oysters perfectly.
23. Dill Pickles
Adding the crunch and tanginess of a pickle is the perfect foil for buttery-fried oysters.
24. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a great option to serve with fried oysters. The garlic and buttery flavor complement the oysters nicely.
What sauce goes with fried oysters
Fried oysters are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One popular preparation for fried oysters is to serve them with sauces. Here are five of the best sauces to pair with fried oysters:
1. Tartar sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic condiment, a creamy blend of mayonnaise, diced pickles, and sometimes capers or lemon juice.
It is the perfect accompaniment for fried oysters, adding an extra level of flavor while still letting the briny taste of the bivalves shine through.
2. Cocktail sauce
Another favorite when it comes to fried oysters, the cocktail sauce is usually made from ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Its tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the mild taste of frying pan-cooked oysters.
3. Garlic butter
A simple combination of butter and garlic gives this sauce its rich flavor profile. The garlicky notes provide a great counterpoint to the salty sweetness of the fried oysters.
4. Spicy mayo
Mayonnaise takes on a whole new dimension when you add some chili oil or sriracha to give it an extra kick!
The spicy peppers in this creamy condiment will bring out the flavors in your freshly cooked mollusks without overwhelming them.
5. Lemon garlic butter
Lemon garlic butter is a zesty twist on garlic butter that combines two classic ingredients that work wonders with fried oysters: melted butter and fresh lemon juice!
The acidity from the citrus cuts through any greasiness while offering up a delicious burst of lemony goodness that complements perfectly every bite of crunchy seafood morsel.
What are the best flavors to go with fried oysters?
Fried oysters make for a delicious and savory treat. Depending on the recipe used, pairing complementary flavors can elevate the already delicious dish.
Traditional Southern recipes often use a light cornmeal batter seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the oyster to shine through.
For this type of fried oyster, a light side dish such as coleslaw or potato salad is ideal; both pairings offer a creamy contrast that helps to cut through the richness of the fried batter.
Alternatively, if you’re using a spicier batter with herbs and spices, then grilled vegetables or even some kind of spicy sauce are great flavor partners.
For an extra layer of flavor, try topping your fried oysters with tangy lemon wedges or smoky bacon pieces.
The bright citrus flavor from the lemon balances out the richness of the fried oysters while adding freshness to each bite.
If you love bacon, then adding it as a topping can give your fried oysters an added touch of savoriness and crunch.
Notwithstanding the flavors you choose to accompany your fried oysters, it’s important to remember that these dishes are meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
A serving size of four to six medium-sized oysters is usually enough for one person.
Enjoying them in smaller portions helps preserve their delicate texture and flavor profile without overwhelming your taste buds!
How do you jazz up fried oysters?
Frying oysters is a great way to quickly add some crunch and flavor to the traditional seafood dish.
To really jazz up your fried oysters, you can try adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, parsley or oregano before placing them in the hot oil.
You could also try making a flavorful dip or sauce such as pesto mayonnaise or Sriracha mayonnaise to serve alongside.
For even more flavor, consider coating your oysters in panko crumbs before frying for an extra crunchy texture!
Be sure to cook them until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your delicious fried oysters!
How do you display fried oysters on a platter?
Fried oysters make a great appetizer or side dish. To display them on a platter, arrange the oysters in a single layer and garnish them with fresh lemon wedges or sprigs of parsley.
It is best to serve shortly after the oysters have been cooked, as this will ensure that they remain crispy and flavorful.
Make sure to provide accompanying condiments like tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, which will add a delicious zesty flavor.
Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy!
appetizers to pair with oysters
Oysters are a delicacy that pairs nicely with certain kinds of appetizers. For instance, if you are looking for a classic pairing, then smoked salmon and caviar are excellent options. These salty seafood items work well with the briny taste of oysters.
You can also serve a light lemon cream cheese dip alongside oysters to cut through their flavor and heighten the experience. If you are looking for something more robust, then consider hummus or tzatziki sauce for a flavor boost.
Additionally, another great appetizer to pair with oysters is tempura-fried vegetables. They have a unique crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the succulent texture of the oyster.
For those looking for a spicier option, try serving some chorizo slices along with oysters. The smoky and salty flavors will really stand out when combined with the brininess of the oyster!
Wrap Up on what to serve with fried oysters.
Adding the right sides to your fried oysters can elevate your dish to a whole new level. In this post, we have shared the best side dishes that go well with fried oysters.
From classic sides such as French fries and coleslaw to nutritious options like grilled vegetables and roasted asparagus, you cannot go wrong with any of these choices.
Be adventurous and try out different sides to see what works best for your taste buds.
FAQs
How much-fried oysters per person?
Fried oysters are a popular appetizer, and the amount that you should serve per person depends on how big of an appetite your guests have!
Generally, a good rule of thumb is to provide about two to three fried oysters per person.
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller portion, one or two per person may be enough. Fried oysters are also quite filling due to their high-fat content.
When preparing fried oysters for your guests, consider the size of the oysters as well; larger oysters tend to require a longer cooking time and, therefore, more oil when frying.
Additionally, the sides you plan to serve with the fried oysters will also make a difference in how much per person you need – if served with sides such as salads and vegetable dishes, smaller portions should be sufficient.
What vegetables go well with oysters?
Oysters are a delicious seafood option that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They pair well with a variety of vegetables, such as white mushrooms, fennel, artichoke hearts, and asparagus.
For more flavor and texture contrast, try adding crunchy vegetables like carrots, radishes, celery and jicama to your oyster dish.
Be sure to lightly sauté or roast the vegetables in olive oil first so they are softened and have had the chance to absorb the flavors from the oil.
You could even add herbs like parsley or dill for extra depth of flavor. By combining these vegetables with oysters, you’ll create a nutritious meal that is light yet full of complex flavors and textures.
What wine to serve with fried oysters?
Fried oysters are a perfect match for an oaky Chardonnay. The buttery, creamy notes of this wine will nicely contrast the crispy, briny taste of the fried oysters.
The oakiness helps bring out the sweetness of the fried oysters and adds an interesting complexity to the dish.
You could also pair them with a sparkling white like Prosecco or Champagne, which is light and bubbly with a hint of fruit that makes it a great accompaniment to fried food.
Either way, make sure to choose a wine with good acidity – this will help cut through any greasiness from the frying oil and add balance to your meal.
