This sandwich is perfection on a bun. Crispy, flash-fried Louisiana oysters nestled in a soft, brioche-type bun, studded with jalapeno peppers and slathered with sauce. It is crave-worthy indeed.
Louisiana oysters are fried golden brown in this magnificent sandwich. (All photos credit: George Graham)
Rachael’s Cafe in Lafayette, Louisiana, is home to this sandwich perfection. Just off busy Kaliste Saloom Road and tucked into a nondescript strip shopping center that’s seen better days, Rachael Hebert’s little café could very well be the best Cajun eatery you’ve never heard of. Everything on the menu is delicious: gumbo, crab cakes, seafood platters, daily plate lunches, and her popular coconut sweet potatoes are part of a vast menu of options.
The Fried Oyster Sandwich with a cup of Rachael’s gumbo is delicious.
But it is this spectacular sandwich–the Fried Oyster Sandwich on a jalapeño bun–that brings me back time and again. You won’t find a tastier one-of-a-kind sandwich anywhere, and if you’re an oyster lover like me, you’ve found the culinary Holy Grail.
As I recreate my recipe version of this sandwich, I will admit that, while I come close in taste, it is both more cost and time efficient for all of you locals just to visit Rachael’s. But I understand that not all of my readers have the luxury of living smack dab in the middle of this delicious Cajun culinary culture, so this one’s for you.
- 1 gallon peanut oil
- 2 dozen raw Louisiana oysters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Acadiana Table Cajun Seasoning Blend, see recipe here
- Salt
- 4 brioche buns
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 large slices of tomato
- Fill your fry pot with oil and heat until the temperature reaches 350ºF.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning.
- In batches, coat the oysters in the dry breading and drop them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on a wire rack and salt immediately.
- Build the sandwich by lightly toasting the buns and slathering the bottom half with mayonnaise. Layer the lettuce and tomatoes and top with 6 fried oysters. Dress the top half of the bun with more mayo and close.
- Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.
Sandwich perfection!
YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE: If you like this Cajun cooking story and Cajun recipe then accept my personal invitation to subscribe by entering your email at the bottom or top right of this page. It’s quick and painless. You will receive an email alert and be the first to see when new Cajun cooking stories and Cajun recipes are added. Thanks, George.
Love to eat in Lafayette / and will add Rachel’s to our list ! Thx