Grilled Oysters with Savory Butter

By James Kimble September 3, 2023 4 mins read 135 Views

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy oysters, and you’ll enjoy them even more if you give this grilled oyster with savory butter recipe a go.

If you’re an oyster lover, you know how great they taste. They’re also really good for you, are high in vitamins and nutrients, and are natural cleaners of our oceans. Only good things can come from consuming more oysters.

Grilled Oysters with Savory Butter

Some oyster lovers will tell you that grilling oysters is a crime. Depending on where you live, grilled oysters may or may not be a thing.

While I love my oysters raw, I”m a firm believer that grilling makes everything better. These grilled oysters will impress seasoned oyster lovers, but they’re also a great gateway for beginners.

Simple is best when it comes to oysters, so for this recipe, I went for a simple compound butter.

Ingredients you’ll need

Oysters – in the shell
Butter – unsalted.
Herbs – parsley and chive.
Garlic
Shallot
Parmesan
Salt and Pepper

grilled oyster ingredients on a wooden board

Equipment you’ll need

Grill
Oyster shucking knife
Cut resistant gloves
Small pot
Spoon

Where to get oysters from?

I got my oysters from Real Oyster Cult. They were Pemaquid oysters from Damariscotta River, Maine.

Real Oyster Cult oysters are all sustainably farmed. They have a variety to choose from, depending on the flavor profile you like or what size you’re after. The Pemequid oysters I used have a beautiful briney clean flavor and were medium sized.

“Eat oysters, support oyster farms, save the oceans” Real Oyster Cult.

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Real Oyster Cult - Fresh Oysters Delivered

SHOP OYSTERS

How to Make Grilled Oysters

1. Fire up the grill

I used my Birch Barrel for this cook with Fogo charcoal. Any grill will work, but for best results I think you have to go with charcoal.

2. Prep

Rinse the oysters under cold water to remove any grit or shell.

Put the butter, shallots, chives, parsley, garlic, parmesan, and salt and pepper into a small pot over medium heat. You’re looking to just melt the butter and make sure everything is combined. Set aside to let the flavors do their stuff.

3. Shuck

Depending on where you buy your oysters, you may need to shuck them before cooking.

Shucking oysters can look pretty intimidating, but it’s not. A pair of cut-resistant gloves can ease anxiety and stop you from impaling yourself with the oyster knife if you slip.

Follow the instructions below, you’ll get the knack in no time, and shellfish never tasted better than when you open it yourself.

Don your gloves (if using). Hold the oyster so you’re cradling the curved side of the shell and the flat side of the shell is facing up.

a blue gloved hand hold an oyster and another hand holding an oyster shucking knife.

Screw the knife into the hinge until it separates the top and bottom shells.

blue glove hand holding an oyster. Oyster shucking knife hold shell open

Run the knife along the inside of the flat shell, cutting the top muscle and popping the top off.

Gently scrape under the oyster and flip it over.

blue gloved hand holding an oyster with a hand holding the bottom part of the shell — You can discard the flat part of the shell.

Repeat with remaining oysters.

half shell oysters on a black and white striped plate

4. Grilling

Place the prepped oysters in the shell onto the grill over direct heat.

Grill the oysters for 5 minutes.

Take your melted butter and stir it to combine all the ingredients. Place about one tablespoon of butter onto each oyster.

When the butter comes to a boil, carefully remove the oysters from the grill, trying not to spill the liquid gold. Let them sit for 5 minutes to cool, then enjoy.

5. Serve

I like to add a little hot sauce to each oyster. This is purely optional but advisable.

More grilled and smoked seafood recipes to try