🦪 Lighthouse Fried Oysters

Crispy, golden, and straight from the Bay.

At Lighthouse Seafood & Deli, we take pride in serving oysters that are as fresh as it gets — and this fried oyster recipe brings out the best in every bite. Lightly breaded and fried to perfection, these oysters are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and full of that classic Chesapeake flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, piled on a sandwich, or as part of a seafood feast, this recipe is a true Maryland favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pint farm-raised oysters, drained (available at Lighthouse Seafood & Deli!)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Tartar or cocktail sauce, optional

Instructions

1. Prep the oysters
   Drain the oysters and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl with the buttermilk and let them soak for about 10 minutes — this helps the coating stick and adds flavor.

2. Mix the coating
   In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, Old Bay, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

3. Heat the oil
   In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the oysters.

4. Coat and fry
   Remove each oyster from the buttermilk, dredge in the cornmeal mixture, and shake off any excess. Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Drain and serve
   Transfer oysters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.

Lighthouse Tip:

For an extra crunch, double-dip your oysters — back into the buttermilk and then again in the cornmeal mix before frying.

✨ Stop by Lighthouse Seafood & Deli to pick up fresh oysters ready for your next batch — or let us do the cooking for you! Whether you’re taking some home or enjoying them at our counter, our oysters are always local, fresh, and delicious.