Oysters are a delicacy of the sea that’s often served raw on half-shell, though you can enjoy them with a variety of sauces. A classic mignonette, a spicy variation with jalapeno, and a zippy fresh horseradish sauce are just a few of the tasty options that accompany these delicate shellfish.
Oyster lovers swear by the flavor of fresh oysters. They’re often served with a squeeze of lemon, grated horseradish and mignonette sauce (a combination of salt, pepper and vinegar), or topped with a zippy cocktail sauce. They also go well with a chilled glass of white wine.
How to Make Oysters
There are a variety of ways to cook oysters, from pan fried to deep fried. Either way, they’re a great addition to any menu. You can serve them with a variety of sauces, such as creamy mignonette or smoky chorizo butter. You can even add them to a po’ boy or as a crispy appetizer with a creamy radish and cucumber salad.
Whether you’re a fan of oysters or have never had them before, these simple recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for these delicious little shellfish. Here are tips on how to shuck, dredge, and cook your oysters to perfection.
How to Shuck an Oyster
The first step in shucking oysters is to cover the front of the shell with a clean cloth, and slide an oyster knife into the hinge at the back of the shell. Twist the knife to break the hinge, and then slide it around the top of the shell to pry it off when it’s loose enough.
How to Dredge an Oyster
When preparing oysters for frying, you’ll want to coat them in a flour mixture and egg before putting them in the deep fryer. The dredging makes them more crisp and easier to handle when they’re cooked.
How to Dredge an Oyster
Another popular dredging method is to dip the shucked oysters in a mixture of egg and half and half. The egg will help to bind the coating, while the half and half will keep them light and fluffy.
How to Dice an Oyster
You’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Hold the oyster curved-side down on the cutting board and cut off the top shell by inserting the tip of the knife into the hinge between the oyster’s top shell and bottom shell. This should be relatively easy with practice, but you may need to push quite hard to get the job done.
How to Prep Oysters for Steaming
When steaming oysters, you can use either a tin or a pot. It’s best to use a pot or tin that’s able to accommodate the number of oysters you plan to steam. This ensures that the oysters will be steaming at the same time and won’t be spilling out of the pot.
How to Cook an Oyster
Larger oysters will need to be cooked for a longer period of time than smaller ones, so watch them carefully. Overcooking them can cause them to become tough and chewy.