Q. What equipment do you need to cook an oyster? I caught one on my fishing pole. Hope you write back!
— Hungry Tyler, Mansfield, Conn.
A. Hey Tyler, congratulations on landing an oyster with your fishing pole! That’s actually kind of a trick to do. Usually most people harvest oysters by hand, walking at low tide to shallow spots where they can simply pick them up. Once you’ve gathered enough oysters for a meal, or in your case: a single oyster, it’s time to eat.
There are many ways to cook oysters, but below are the easiest methods. Be sure to first clean the oyster’s shell with fresh water and a hard brush (no soap though!). Whichever way you cook oysters, you’ll know they’re done when they start to open their shells. Then, let them cool and use a knife to carefully pry the shell open all the way and scoop out the oyster. You can dip it in butter sauce, co*cktail sauce or just pop it in your mouth plain. Enjoy!
• Steaming: Pour a couple inches of water in the bottom of a pot (or steamer with a basket). Toss in the oyster(s) and cover. Cook on the stovetop for 10-20 minutes or until the shells open slightly.
• Baking: Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Put oyster shells on a cookie sheet and cook for 15 to 30 minutes or until the shells crack open.
• Grilling: Just toss them straight onto you barbecue grill on medium high heat, until the shells open.
• Raw: Some people eat them raw, but oysters sometimes carry bacteria that can make you sick. Cooking it will kill that bad stuff, so that’s a good idea.
Check This Out!
Ask the Gear Guy
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.
Inspire Leadership, Foster Values: Donate to Scouting
When you give to Scouting, you are making it possible for young people to have extraordinary opportunities that will allow them to embrace their true potential and become the remarkable individuals they are destined to be.
