Why You Should Learn How to Shuck Oysters
One of our favorite summer activities is to invite friends over for an oyster-shucking party. We discovered several years back that the kids love to shuck and eat oysters just as much as the grownups! Well, at least ours do. It is always worth a shot! Once you know how to shuck oysters, you can have an oyster-shucking party where everyone chips in! It is so fun, and such a creative excuse to have a get-together! As long as your guests love oysters, this is an activity they will get excited about. Serve the oysters with a variety of different toppings! Try cocktail sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and horseradish. Or, make a simple French mignonette!
Steamed Oysters
Although we love oysters raw, baked, grilled, or steamed, I find steaming them is the optimal method for an oyster shucking party. Here’s why… Raw oysters have the absolute best natural flavor. They taste like the sea. Yet, many people can’t get over the fact that they are raw. Plus, raw oysters can be a little difficult to shuck. On the other side, grilled oysters often have a nice smoky flavor, and baked oysters usually have tasty toppings, but you lose the essence of the oysters when they get rubbery. I find steaming oysters for a very short time offers the best of both worlds… Those that like raw oysters get nearly raw oysters that are much easier to open, because the oyster has released its grip on the shell. Yet, those who like their oysters cooked, find the bottom-of-the-pot oysters texturally more substantial.
Ingredients You Need
Raw Oysters – buy raw, live oysters Baking Soda – for cleaning Your choice of condiments and toppings
Equipment You Need
Oyster Knife – otherwise known as a shucking knife Kitchen Towel – a sturdy kitchen towel to wrap the oyster while shucking Vegetable Brush – to clean the outside of the oysters Steam Basket – to easily steam them in the pot Stock Pot
How To Clean Oysters
How to Steam Oysters
That’s it! Your oysters are perfectly steamed and ready to shuck and eat. The oysters from the bottom of the pot will be the most cooked and easiest to open. The oysters at the top of the pot will be just barely cooked (the way I like them) with just a touch of texture around the edges, yet raw in the center. Everyone at the table will be able to find the perfect oyster for their taste. Now it’s time to set out the condiments and start shucking.
How To Shuck Oysters
Carson, age 10, shucking oysters.
Raw Oyster Condiments
There are so many ways to accentuate your oysters, it’s fun to set out an oyster condiment bar and let your friends and family experiment. If you prefer, you can totally keep it simple with just a squeeze of lemon juice. Or, top the shellfish off with loads of toppings! Here are some of my personal favorites.
The Classic American Oyster Setup
Saltine Crackers Cocktail Sauce Lemon Wedges Prepared Horseradish Hot Sauce (like Tabasco)
Classic French Mignonette
Red Wine Vinegar Shaved Shallots Salt and Pepper
Bold Asian Oyster
Sriracha Sauce Lime Wedges Pickled Ginger Fried Onions Rice Crackers
Modern American Oyster
Baguette Slices Lemon Wedges Chopped Chive Balsamic Vinegar Spicy Whole-Grain Mustard
No matter how you like to top your oysters, this easy summer party idea is fun and tasty for everyone involved. If you host an oyster party this season, make sure to take a snapshot and tag in #ASpicyPerspective on Instagram or Facebook so we can see it!
More Seafood Recipes to Try
Crab Salad Three Cheese Baked Oysters Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail How to Cook Fish Fish Ceviche
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