Grilled oysters are a popular and delicious treat. But many people believe you can only eat oysters in the months that have an “R” in the month. But with changing times oysters are actually available year-round. Check out this article from Southern Living for more information. No matter when you choose to purchase oysters here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grill oysters on your Wilmington Grill:
Ingredients:
- Fresh oysters, in the shell
- Garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare your Wilmington Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot grill for this method.
- Clean the Oysters:
- Scrub the oysters under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the oysters are tightly closed. Discard any oysters that are open and do not close when tapped.
- Shuck the Oysters:
- Using an oyster knife or a sturdy, short-bladed knife, carefully shuck the oysters. Here’s how:
- Hold the oyster with a cloth to protect your hand.
- Insert the knife into the hinge of the oyster (the pointy end) and twist the knife to pry the shell open. Be cautious not to spill the flavorful juices inside.
- Detach the oyster from the top shell. Discard the top shell and drop them into your Wilmington Grill Shucking Table. Then loosen the oyster from the bottom shell to make it easier to eat.
- Using an oyster knife or a sturdy, short-bladed knife, carefully shuck the oysters. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Oysters:
- Arrange the opened oysters on a tray or a baking sheet lined with rock salt or crumpled foil. Or place the oysters directly on the grill.
- Add Flavor:
- Spoon a small amount of garlic butter onto each oyster. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Grill the Oysters:
- Carefully place the oysters or tray of oysters on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes. The oysters are done when they are opaque and their edges start to curl.
- Serve Hot:
- Using tongs, carefully remove the oysters from the grill. Transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish the grilled oysters with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. You can also enjoy it with cocktail sauce or melted butter.
Grilled oysters are best enjoyed straight off the grill while they are hot and flavorful. Be cautious while handling the hot shells and enjoy your delicious grilled oysters!