Chesapeake Bay Oysters in the Shell

Deep-Fried Oysters

Ingredients

• 48 medium oysters
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 4 cups canola oil for frying
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cracker meal
• 1 tablespoon sea salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and cracker meal. Dredge the oysters in the mixture.
2. Place dredged oysters in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the oysters until crispy, about 3 minutes.
5. Transfer fried oysters to a paper towel–lined plate.
6. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve hot with spicy seafood sauce.

Yield: 6–8 servings

Oyster Nutrition Facts

Fresh Chesapeake Bay Oysters come from the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, spanning Maryland and Virginia. These oysters are harvested from the bay's brackish waters, where the mix of fresh and saltwater creates the perfect environment for them to thrive.

The most well-known varieties include Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica), which are prized for their sweet, slightly briny flavor and plump texture. Many Chesapeake Bay oysters are sustainably farmed through aquaculture, ensuring a steady supply while helping to restore wild oyster populations and improve water quality in the bay.

We partner with local establishments to source oysters that support our local watermen and deliver a flavorful, fresh, wild-caught product.

We offer our Chesapeake Bay oysters by the pint. Each pint has about 22 to 28 shucked oysters per jar.

Keep Them Cold – Store shucked oysters in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at 32-40°F (0-4°C). Avoid storing them in the fridge door where temperatures fluctuate.

Store in Their Liquor – Keep the oysters submerged in their natural juices (oyster liquor) in a clean, sealed container to preserve their flavor and texture.

Use an Airtight Container – Transfer shucked oysters to a sealed glass or plastic container if they didn’t come in one. Avoid using metal containers, as they can affect the flavor.

Do Not Rinse Until Ready to Use – Rinsing shucked oysters too early can remove the flavorful liquor and shorten their freshness.

Consume Within 1 to 3 Days – For the best taste and safety, eat shucked oysters within 1 to 3 days of purchase. Check the "use by" date if provided.

Check for Freshness – Fresh oysters should have a mild ocean scent. If they smell sour, strong, or off, discard them.

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