Smoky, Tender Grilled Oysters Here’s what some folks are doing when it comes to grilling oysters. A quick shuck, a little dab of chili-butter, and a brief spell in the sauna of the grill. Smoky, tender, and a little spicy: they’re perfect every time. Let’s take a lesson from the pros on this one and let them show us how it’s done. INGREDIENTS • Fresh unshucked oysters, preferably harvested that day • Compound butter, like herb butter or any mix of herbs or spices worked into soft butter • Crusty bread, for serving EQUIPMENT • •
Shucking knife Gas or charcoal grill
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat the Grill: Heat your grill until it's nice and hot. This is a quick-cooking dish, so the hotter the better. 2. Shuck the Oysters: Shuck as many oysters as you feel you can keep track of. Remember, you want to avoid overcooking, so it's better to work in several smaller batches that you can manage rather than one large batch that might overcook. 3. If you're new to shucking, take it slow, protect your hand with a glove, and brace the oyster against a work surface. 4. Arrange the Oysters on the Grill: Discard the top (flatter) shell and arrange the bottom (bowl-like) shells with the raw oysters in rows over the grill. 5. Add a Pat of Butter: Add about a tablespoon of butter to each oyster. 6. Close the Grill and Cook: Close the grill and cook the oysters for 3 to 4 minutes. Check them after this time. The oysters should be just barely starting to shrink, and you should see some caramelization in the butter around the edges. Cook for another 30 seconds if needed; it's better to undercook the oysters than overcook them. 7. Serve Immediately: Eat the oysters as soon as they're cool enough to pop in your mouth. Have plenty of bread on hand to mop up the leftover butter. RECIPE NOTES: To Grill Oysters Whole: If you'd like to grill oysters without shucking them, lay the oysters on the grill and close the lid. Check every minute. As soon as you see the top shell loosen, take the oysters off the grill, and eat. http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks
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