Citrusy Grilled Oysters
User Reviews
5
Citrusy Grilled Oysters
Description
Citrusy Grilled Oysters prepare oysters directly on a hot grill until their shells begin to open, preserving their fresh, oceanic flavor and moisture. A butter sauce enriched with minced garlic, fresh lime zest and juice, and chopped cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous note that pairs well with the smoky char from the grill. The accompanying grilled ciabatta bread offers a crunchy texture to contrast the tender oysters.
The oysters are grilled with their rounded side down to keep the natural juices inside until just before serving. Opening the oysters with a shucker after grilling reveals the tender meat that is then spooned with the citrus butter, which enhances the savory, slightly briny flavor.
Serve the oysters immediately with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for optional garnish, and add hot sauce if preferred. The grilled ciabatta slices make a practical base or side, capturing juices and butter. These oysters suit outdoor gatherings or a seafood appetizer course.
Ingredients
- 1 dozen oysters in their shells
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 large garlic minced, clove
- 1 teaspoon lime zest fresh
- 2 teaspoons lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced, fresh
- 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 lices ciabatta or artisan bread such as kalamata olive bread, rustic sourdough or ciabatta
For Garnish
- lime wedges
- cilantro chopped
- hot sauce we like Crystal
Instructions
- Heat the grill to high heat - about 450°-500°.
- Scrub the oyster to remove any mud or grit and rinse under cool water, set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium high heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes so that the butter is fragrant. Add the lime zest, lime juice and cilantro. Stir and set aside.
- Brush the slices of bread with the olive oil. Grill the bread for 1-2 minutes per side until it starts to take on color and get crispy. Transfer the bread to a platter.
- Place the oysters flat side up on the hot grill (you don't want the oyster liquor to escape -- so make sure the rounded side is resting on the grill grates). Cook on the grill for 3-4 minutes, just until the oysters crack open slightly. Transfer the oysters to a platter.
- Using an oyster shucker, slip the tip of the shucker into the opened crack in the oyster. Run the oyster shucker back to the hinge of the oyster and twist it to open. If the oyster is still attached to the muscle on the shell, run the shucker between the oyster and the muscle to detach, being careful not to spill any of the liquid. Discard the flat part of the shell. Arrange the oysters on a platter and spoon one teaspoon of the butter sauce over each oyster. Garnish with wedges of lime, chopped fresh cilantro and a few drops of your favorite hot sauce (we like Crystal). Serve with grilled bread.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 183 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 183kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 139mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 365IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.