Oyster omelette (海蛎煎 / 蚵仔煎) is a popular street food in Minnan region of China mainland and Taiwan. It has different versions: Xiamen-style and Taiwan-style. Here I’m focusing on Xiamen-style which I learned in Xiamen.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it hot and crisp with dipping sauce. Xiamen-style pairs best with Xiamen Haidi Chilli Sauce; Taiwan-style uses a sweeter, thicker sauce. A full pan can serve 2-3 people as a snack or light meal.

Checklist

Main Ingredient

Main Ingredient	Amount	Comments	Alternatives
Oyster meat	7-9 pcs	Small oysters work best	-
Sweet potato starch	40-60 g	-	-
Garlic sprouts	1 stalk	-	-
Eggs	1	-	-

Seasoning

Seasoning	Amount	Comments	Alternatives
White pepper powder	1 tsp	The key flavour, for removing fishy smell	-
Light soy sauce	0.5 tbsp	For marinating oysters	-
Salt	0.5-1 tsp	Adjust to taste	-
Oil	1-2 tbsp	For pan-frying omelette	Preferably light-flavoured oil

Cooking Tools

Cooking Tools	Comments	Alternatives
Frying pan	Makes flipping easier	Skillet
Spatula	For shaping the omelette	-
Mixing bowl	For oyster batter	Medium container
Small bowl	For beating eggs	-
Whisk	For beating eggs	Chopsticks
Plate	For serving the dish	-

Method

It is basically a pan-fried omelette made from oysters, starch batter, vegetables, and eggs. Oil is important to get crisp edges.

flowchart TD
    prepare-garlic-sprouts([Prepare garlic sprouts, 3 min]) --> mix-batter([Mix oyster batter, 5 min])
    mix-batter --> pan-fry[Pan-fry omelette, 10 min]
    prepare-eggs([Prepare eggs, 3 min]) --> pan-fry

    class prepare-garlic-sprouts cold
    class mix-batter cold
    class prepare-eggs cold
    class pan-fry cook

    classDef cold fill:#90EE90
    classDef cook fill:#FFB6C1
    classDef long-cook fill:#FFA500

The estimated time is for serving 2-3 people. Total estimated time: 15-25 mins.

Preparation

Preparation Step	Action	Wait Until	Tips
Prepare garlic sprouts	Wash and dice the garlic sprouts	-	-
Mix oyster batter	Mix oyster meat with light soy sauce, white pepper powder and salt	-	White pepper is essential for this dish. Use it generously.
	Add starch and water gradually, hand mix	Till coated but not too thick	Use your hand to feel thickness
Prepare eggs	Beat and whisk eggs	-	-

Cooking

Cooking Step	Action	Wait Until	Tips
Pan-fry omelette	Heat oil	50% oil heat	-
	Fry garlic sprouts	Till a bit brown	-
	Pour in the oyster batter, spread into a round	Edges set and bottom turns crisp	-
	Turn once, fry the other side	Egg cooked and omelette holds shape	Keep medium heat to avoid burning
	Pour beaten egg over, pan-fry	Till egg is set	-

Variations

If you don’t have enough starch, mix in some flour. Keep it at most half flour and half starch for a less chewy texture.

Oyster Omelette