Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

　　For those who don't like their oysters raw, there's the classic po'-boy sandwich. New Orleans's first po'-boy makers settled on a roll that is light and mild, so that it doesn't overpower the tender oysters inside, yet is substantial enough to keep its shape when the sweet juices are released from their cornmeal crust. We discovered that a soft-crusted French, Italian, Portuguese, or Cuban loaf works well. Hot pepper sauce is the traditional condiment, but we've improvised a little, using chipotle mayonnaise to add a layer of smokiness instead of pure heat.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 2 generous servings

　　

For chipotle mayonnaise

1/2 cup mayonnaise

　　1 1/4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo

　　1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

　　

For fried oysters

6 cups vegetable oil

　　1 large egg

　　1/4 cup whole milk

　　2 1/2 teaspoons salt

　　1 1/2 cups cornmeal

　　1/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　2 cups shucked oysters, drained (about 36)

　　

For assembling sandwich

1 (12- to 14-inch-long) loaf soft-crusted bread

　　3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

　　Accompaniment: lemon wedges

　　

Special Equipment

a deep-fat thermometer

　　

Make chipotle mayonnaise:

Step 1

Whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle, and lemon juice and chill mixture, its surface covered with plastic wrap.

　　

Fry oysters:

Step 2

Heat oil in a deep heavy pot (preferably a cast-iron Dutch oven) over high heat until it registers 375°F on deep-fat thermometer, about 12 minutes.

　　

Step 3

While oil is heating, whisk together egg, milk, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Shake cornmeal, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper in a plastic or paper bag until combined well. Working in batches, add oysters to egg mixture, then lift out, letting excess drip off, and transfer to cornmeal in bag, shaking to coat well.

　　

Step 4

Carefully transfer to oil, knocking off excess coating, and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining oysters in same manner, returning oil to 375°F for each batch.

　　

Assemble sandwich:

Step 5

Halve loaf crosswise and horizontally, cutting all the way through, and spread one cut side of each piece with mayonnaise. Sandwich oysters and lettuce between bread, pressing gently.