Oysters On The Half Shell Recipes

AIR FRYER OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place 8 oyster halves in the basket of the preheated air fryer and cook for 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and top each oyster with a dash of Worcestershire and hot sauce.
• Repeat with remaining 8 oyster halves.

BAKED OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Carefully cut oyster away from the shell and drain juice into a bowl, leaving oyster in the shell. Place oysters on the half shell on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
• Add parsley, garlic, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the oyster juice, stirring to blend. Drizzle melted butter into the mixture, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon breadcrumb mixture over each oyster. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the oysters are golden brown. Serve.

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH LEMON SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Open oysters with a shucking knife. Separate the tendons at the top and bottom of the shell. Retain all liquids in the shell.
• Whisk remaining ingredients together in a small bowl. Spoon 1 teaspoon of vinaigrette over each oyster. Serve immediately.
• Recommended beverage: Sancerre (white)

RAW OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Scrub the oysters under cold water with a stiff brush to remove the dirt, especially in the hinge area where mud has a tendency to get trapped. Next, find a durable thick cloth and fold it over several times to create a square; this will steady the oysters as you shuck them and also protect your hand. Using the towel as a mitt, place the oyster, cup-side down in the palm of your towel-covered hand with the hinge facing you; have a small bowl handy to catch the delicious juice. Insert the tip of an oyster knife or dull butter knife as far into the hinge as it will go; don't jab it in there or you could break the shell. With gentle force, twist the knife back and forth to pry the shell open. Using the knife, cut the muscle away from the top shell, bend the shell back, and discard it. Run the knife underneath the oyster to detach it completely, but leave it in its shell. Tip out the briny liquor into the bowl and pour it back over the shucked oysters. Nestle the oysters in a bed of crushed ice or rock salt to keep them steady. Spoon the Cucumber Mignonette on top and serve as part of a raw shellfish bar.
• In a small bowl, combine the rice wine vinegar, shallots, ginger, cucumber, black pepper, and cilantro; mixing with a fork. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to the day before you plan to serve, to allow the flavors to come together. Serve with raw oysters and clams.

STOVE TOP SMOKER OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Put the wood chips in the bottom of the smoker.
• Replace the bottom tray, and set in the rack.
• Lay the oysters in the half shell on the smoking rack.
• Start the oysters over medium heat and lower the heat slightly once the smoker lid is closed.
• Smoke until the oysters are very lightly colored and firm, but still plump and moist, 9 minutes over the heat after closing the smoker lid and about 6 minutes off the heat with the smoker lid closed.
• Check the oysters for doneness after they have been off the heat 5 minutes.
• Serve right from the smoker or drizzle them with melted butter and pass lemon wedges, a pepper mill, and a bottle of hot red pepper sauce.
• Or prepare your favorite stuffed oyster recipe, fold into a spinach omelet, or try them in Oysters Vanderbilt (see related separate recipe).

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH MIGNONETTE

Steps:

• Stir together shallot, peppercorns, and vinegar in a small bowl. Arrange oysters over ice. Serve with mignonette and lemon wedges.

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH SPICY VINEGAR

Steps:

• Stir vinegar and salt in medium bowl until salt dissolves. Mix in green onions, shallots, garlic and black pepper. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt, if desired. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Stir parsley into vinegar mixture.
• Line platter with crushed ice. Arrange oysters atop ice. Spoon 1 teaspoon vinegar mixture over each oyster. Transfer remaining vinegar mixture to small bowl. Serve oysters with lemon wedges and remaining vinegar mixture.