If you have ever wondered how to cook oysters, this guide is for you. Many prefer eating oysters raw and straight from the shell. However, there are actually more ways to enjoy oysters. In this guide, we will give you cooking instructions for different methods of preparing oysters.
All About Oysters
Oysters are the briny bivalves that grow primarily in the bays of the Upper East Coast. The oysters grow in reef-like formations which oyster farmers replicate in their oyster farms. The taste of oysters reflects the salty environment they mature in. The diet of oysters consists mostly of algae, so the varieties of oysters have unique flavor profiles, depending on their food source.
Oysters tend to bring mixed opinions from people who try them. There are those who crave the taste of the sea love eating fresh-shucked oysters from the shell. Others do not like the texture of the sometimes slimy oysters and prefer other kinds of seafood. Sometimes the ways someone chooses how to prepare oysters impacts their opinion.
On their own, oysters are very fresh and have a clean finish. They also make a great canvas for additional ingredients. Many associate oysters with a special occasion, but they are affordable and great for a casual meal with friends.
You can serve up oysters raw or cooked. We will run through some of the main ways and give you steps on how to prepare oysters to your liking.
How To Cook Oysters with Popular Methods
Grilled:
Grilling allows the oysters to cook and pick up a smoky flavor. You can choose to top the oysters with herbs and garlic while they cook to add even more flavor. Here’s how to prepare oysters on the grill.
- Preheat the grill to 400- 450 degrees.
- Place the shucked oysters on the grill, shell side down. Add any toppings like herbs or cheese.
- Close the grill and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes until the oysters start simmering.
- Carefully remove the oysters from the grill.
- Serve grilled oysters with crackers and/or garlic butter.
Rockefeller Style:
Oysters Rockefeller is a classic baked oyster dish. The rich butter and breadcrumbs pair with the salty oyster to create a special appetizer. Luckily, this preparation is very easy to recreate at home.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Fill a rimmed baking sheet with rock salt to lay the oysters on later.
- Prepare spinach mixture by melting butter in a skillet. Add olive oil, garlic, and shallots to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes. Add chopped spinach, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper. Cook mixture for three minutes more.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of the prepared spinach mixture onto the oyster halves.
- Place the oysters on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve the oysters with lemon wedges.
Raw:
Keep it simple by enjoying the oysters raw. Here’s how to prepare oysters raw.
- Place shucked oysters on a serving dish filled with crushed ice.
- Serve with lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, and cocktail sauce.
Here’s a useful video to learn how to shuck an oyster.
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