Fried Oysters Over Creamed Spinach

Courtesy Hoffman Media

A decadent preparation for greens, paired with light and crisp oysters.
Cook/Prep Time: 30 MinutesServings: 6

Ingredients

2 (6 oz.) bags baby spinach
2 Tbsp. canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
2 tsp. anise liqueur
1 3/4 tsp. salt, divided
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
24 oysters on the half shell
4 cups kosher salt
1 1/2 cups lightly-packed grated
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse spinach, in batches, until finely chopped. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually add spinach; cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream, liqueur, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.
Preheat oven to 400°.
Remove oysters from shells, reserving oysters. On a rimmed baking sheet, add kosher salt. Add oyster shells, and fill shells with spinach mixture. Top with cheese and bread crumbs. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a shallow dish, add buttermilk. In separate dish, whisk together cornmeal, flour, cayenne, remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. In a Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches, and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360°.
Dip oysters in buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge oysters in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess. Carefully place oysters into hot oil in batches. Cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve over spinach mixture, and sprinkle with additional salt, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.

*Notes We used Pernod

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