POES FOODIES November 2, 2023

Maryland’s Famous Fried Oysters with Roasted Green Beans, Garlic, Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, and Roasted Pecans

Maryland is known for its delicious seafood, and one of the standout dishes is Fried Oysters. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fried oysters are a true culinary delight. I recently had the pleasure of making this Maryland favorite with a twist – serving them alongside a medley of roasted green beans, garlic, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and roasted pecans. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Let’s get started with this delectable recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Fried Oysters:
– 1 pint of fresh oysters, drained
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (a Maryland classic!)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

For the Roasted Green Beans, Garlic, Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, and Pecans:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Green Beans:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Toss the trimmed green beans and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Spread them out on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
– Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the beans are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

2. Caramelize the Onions:
– While the green beans and tomatoes are roasting, caramelize the onions. Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add a bit of olive oil, and slowly cook the onions until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This may take 20-30 minutes, but the flavor is worth it.

3. Prepare the Fried Oysters:
– In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
– In another bowl, place the beaten eggs.
– In a third bowl, put the breadcrumbs.
– Dredge each oyster in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure each oyster is evenly coated.

4. Fry the Oysters:
– Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
– Carefully add the breaded oysters to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown.
– Place the fried oysters on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Assemble the Dish:
– Arrange the roasted green beans and tomatoes on a serving platter.
– Scatter the caramelized onions and roasted pecans over the top.
– Place the crispy fried oysters on top of this vegetable medley.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
– Garnish your dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like.
– Serve your Maryland’s Famous Fried Oysters with Roasted Green Beans, Garlic, Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, and Roasted Pecans while it’s hot.

This dish combines the best of Maryland’s seafood tradition with a unique twist of flavors and textures. It’s a true delight for the palate, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Bon appétit!