Grilled Oysters Are a Fast and Fancy Addition to Your Next Cookout (2024)

FAQs

Why do people grill oysters? ›

Heat from the flame steams the oysters, and the shell will open slightly when the oysters are done. Shucked oysters can similarly be grilled, while providing the opportunity to add delicious toppings during cooking, such as flavored butter and spices.

Here is the long and short of it: Light the grill. Put the oysters on it, flat side down, and leave them there until they open. This takes about two or three minutes. Now remove them from the heat.

All you need is a pot with a steamer basket. Place the shucked oysters in the basket, set over boiling water, and cover to steam for 4-5 minutes until they are firm and opaque. Once cooked, season with lemon juice, garlic butter, herbs, or other flavors.

Oysters are highly nutritious shellfish that offer a wide array of health benefits. They're packed with high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — all of which benefit health. Still, raw oysters can contain potentially harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, enjoy oysters cooked instead.

Because oysters are rich in zinc, they may help maintain healthy levels of dopamine to enhance sexual function. Still, additional human studies are needed to evaluate whether foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, directly affect dopamine levels and libido.

As oysters are cooked, their flavors can also change. Typically, cooked oysters will get a bit saltier and some of their more natural flavors may come out. Saltines is a major characteristic to consider when tasting an oyster.

Briny and sweet Blue Points, Malpeque, Belon and Wellfleet are favorites for grilling but you can grill any kind of oyster, especially the larger varieties. Ask your fish monger to fill you in on the merits of the oysters in the case.

Raw oysters on the half-shell are a delicious delicacy, but shucking the oysters is not an easy feat. Cooking them on the grill, however, eliminates the need for struggling with a sharp knife and results in the mollusks having a subtle smokey taste.

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.

Do you chew grilled oysters? ›

Don't Forget to Chew

It's a common misconception that you should swallow an oyster whole. Chewing an oyster is the best way to enjoy the full flavor profile.

Oysters are primarily a finger food and should be eaten raw, fresh and right from the shell. No silverware, no plates, you just need to put your lips right up to the shell and slurp away. This tiny fork that may frequently accompany oysters is used just to loosen the oyster from the shell.

Like with any type of food, it's still best to enjoy oysters in moderation and include them in a balanced diet. Most experts recommend eating no more than a dozen oysters a day. As you now know, oysters are a great source of a variety of vitamins and minerals, like zinc.

In the northern hemisphere, the old rule that native oysters should only be eaten when there's an 'r' in the month still holds true; so eat oysters from September to April. During the summer months they're busy spawning, and their flesh becomes unpleasantly soft and milky. Rock oysters are available all year round.

Foodie tradition dictates only eating wild oysters in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, a nasty bout of food poisoning. Now, a new study suggests people have been following this practice for at least 4,000 years.

Steaming oysters allows the steam to cook them through in just a few minutes without stripping them of their natural juices. If you boil oysters, you can lose out on those natural juices, resulting in chewy, dry meat.

Oysters are a type of saltwater bivalve found to be rich in essential nutrients. High in vitamins, minerals, and protein, they potentially offer various health benefits. Are proposed to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, and support heart health. Can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.