Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or luxe service for a cocktail crowd, raw oysters at home remain a mainstay of elegant entertaining. If you prefer the cooked variety, however, put a spin on your oysters with our favorite recipes for home preparation.
If you’re wondering how to prepare oysters at home, start with a barbecue. Preheat the grill to 450 degrees, then arrange the open shells in just one layer on the grates. Spoon softened butter mixed with your choice of herbs and spices, along with salt and pepper, into each oyster. Cook until the edges curl, which should be about seven minutes.
Why not impress your guests with a classic New Orleans meal of oysters Rockefeller? This retro-chic dish dates back to the 1880s. Simply shuck 12 oysters, and let them rest on a baking sheet while you prepare the topping. Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat, then sauté three cloves of minced garlic and one small minced shallot until they are translucent. Turn off the heat and add three tablespoons of Pernod liqueur, then simmer on low and add one cup of heavy cream. Reduce this sauce by about half and throw in four cups of spinach and a half cup of Pecorino Romano cheese. Cook until cheese melts and spinach wilts, then top the oysters with the mixture and more cheese to taste. Put the baking sheet under a hot broiler for three minutes or until the cheese is slightly brown.
Fried seafood is an iconic preparation for a reason, and it couldn’t be easier to make at home. Check out our classes for shucking oysters at home and then open and marinate two pints of large oysters in two cups of buttermilk for two hours. In the meantime, mix one cup of flour and a half cup of cornmeal with your choice of spices. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven and fry the oysters for three minutes. Drain onto a paper towel and serve hot.
When you don’t feel like shucking your own oysters at home, get top-tier service from the Oysters XO team. We offer premium catering with the freshest raw oysters to add upscale cachet to any event. Contact us at 917-297-5929 to start planning your party today.
