Indulge in the delectable flavors of Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter, a culinary masterpiece that combines the briny sweetness of oysters with a burst of citrusy and herbaceous flavors. This recipe elevates the humble oyster to a new level of sophistication, showcasing the delicate balance of flavors that can be achieved with simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Prepared on the grill, the oysters are infused with a smoky aroma that complements their natural brininess, while the zesty lemon and fragrant dill dance together in a luscious butter sauce, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Accompanied by step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, this recipe ensures that you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned seafood enthusiast or a curious culinary explorer, this Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
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GRILLED OYSTERS WITH LEMONY GARLIC-HERB BUTTER
Garlic, lemon, herbs and butter form a classic European pairing that is perfectly at home spooned into a hot grilled oyster, but if that's not your style, try out these recipes for Buttery Soy-Sake Glaze or Harissa-Parmesan Butter - or, better yet, make all three. Any leftover flavored butter and sauces are excellent melted over grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, or over grilled chicken, fish or even steak, and they can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for several months. When shopping for oysters, look for specimens with deeply cupped bottom shells in order to help retain their natural liquor and provide ample space for the flavored butter.
Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt
Categories dinner, seafood, appetizer, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 24 oysters
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Ignite a full chimney of coals and spread out under one side of the grill once they are fully covered in gray ash, or heat half the burners of a gas grill to high. Cover and let the grill heat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut off a sheet of aluminum foil twice the length of a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Crumple it up so that it fits into the baking sheet. The crumpled foil should be able to support the cupped side of the oysters without allowing them to tip over.
- Prepare the garlic-herb butter: In a food processor, combine the butter, parsley, basil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Process until the herbs are finely chopped and there are no large chunks of butter remaining, about 30 seconds total, stopping to scrape down the sides of the processor with a rubber spatula a few times as needed. Transfer the mixture to a small, oven-safe saucepan.
- Using tongs, arrange the oysters over the hot side of the grill, placing them with the cupped sides down, doing your best to set them in the grates so that oyster juices don't pour out of the cups as they open. Cover and cook, checking on them every minute or so, and transferring any oysters that have begun to gape open to the foil-lined baking sheet. After a total of 4 minutes, transfer any remaining oysters to the foil whether they have opened or not. Place the saucepan on the cooler side of the grill.
- As soon as the oysters are cool enough to handle, pry off the top shells with a butter knife or oyster knife, severing through the muscle that holds the oyster to the shell and retaining as much juice in the shell as possible. For oysters that aren't already gaping open, the easiest way to pry off the lids is by inserting the tip of the knife into the joint and firmly twisting it until the joint releases.
- Spoon a generous teaspoon of the garlic-herb butter (which should be fully melted by now) into each oyster, then return the oysters directly onto the grates on the hot side of the grill. Cook, uncovered, until the sauce mixture is bubbling hot, about 1 minute. Return the oysters to the foil-lined baking sheet and serve immediately.
GRILLED OYSTERS WITH HOT-SAUCE BUTTER
Oysters cook quickly on a hot grill, the meat poaching in a bubbling compound butter flavored with a vinegar-rich hot sauce, garlic and lemon zest. Ideally, you can assign someone else the job of shucking and focus on the grill, making sure the oysters don't stay on it much longer than 2 or 3 minutes, so the meat is still plump and juicy. If you're working on your own, open the oysters in advance and handle them carefully, so as not to spill the liquor inside the shells, which combines with the melted butter to create a delicious, briny flavor. To make a whole meal out of them, serve them with some grilled bread and a simple salad.
Provided by Tejal Rao
Time 30m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine butter, hot sauce, garlic, lemon zest and anchovy, and pulse until there are no streaks of hot sauce and the butter is a uniform shade of pale pink. (If you don't have a food processor, leave the butter out until it's very soft, then beat the ingredients together with a spoon.) Scrape the mixture into a small bowl, and set aside in the fridge.
- Put the oysters in a large bowl in the sink, and scrub off any sand or grit. Rinse well, drain and refrigerate until you're ready to shuck. To shuck: Grip an oyster with a folded dishtowel so the shell is cupped side down, hinge side facing toward you. Push the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge, and twist so it cracks open. Make sure the knife is clean of shell and grit, then use it to release the top shell, and slide it under the oyster meat to release it from the bottom shell. Repeat with remaining oysters, discarding any that are already open or that have a bad smell.
- Build a fire in your charcoal grill, or set a gas grill to high. Gently crumple a sheet of aluminum foil so its grooves can support the open oysters and keep them from spilling, and set it on the grate. Place 12 oysters on the foil, and top each with approximately ½ teaspoon of butter; use more for especially large oysters, but less for small ones. The idea is to cover the oyster with butter, but not to overfill the shell. Cover the grill, and cook until the butter and oyster juices are bubbling but the oyster is still plump, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Use tongs to transfer hot oysters to a platter lined with another piece of foil that will keep the shells upright, and serve immediately with a bottle of hot sauce and lemon wedges at the table. Repeat with remaining oysters.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 901, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 60 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 58 grams, SaturatedFat 32 grams, Sodium 959 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 2 grams
GRILLED OYSTERS WITH LEMON DILL BUTTER
I have a confession: I'm not the biggest fan of raw oysters. People wax poetic about Blue Points and Wellfleets and debate about East Coast versus West Coast varieties, but they're all a little too cold and slippery for me to enjoy the flavor. Of course, you can serve them with a classic mignonette sauce and rye bread but then all you really taste is mignonette sauce and rye bread. However, if you put some freshly shucked oysters (on the half shell) on the grill for two to three minutes, just long enough to heat them through, everything changes! For this version, I make a simple herb butter - a combination of good butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice and dill - and add some to each oyster before I grill them. They're a perfect summer appetizer: celebratory and so delicious. And only you will know how easy they were to make!
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill. If using charcoal, make sure you have a full layer of hot coals on the grate.
- Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, garlic, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and beat on medium speed until just combined.
- Place the oysters on the half shell on a sheet pan. Place 1 level teaspoon of the herbed butter on each oyster (you'll have just enough butter for all the oysters). Place slightly crumpled sheets of aluminum foil on the grill grates to keep the oysters stable. Transfer the oysters to the foil, making sure the shells are level so the butter doesn't spill out. Cover the grill with the lid, making sure the vents are open, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the butter comes to a simmer and the oysters are just heated through. Transfer carefully to a platter, sprinkle with sea salt and serve hot.
Tips:
- Select plump and fresh oysters: Look for oysters with tightly closed shells and no foul odor. Discard any oysters with cracked or broken shells.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they are white-hot.
- Shuck the oysters: Hold the oyster in one hand and insert the oyster knife into the hinge of the shell. Twist the knife to pry open the shell. Be careful not to spill the oyster liquor.
- Prepare the lemon-dill butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Grill the oysters: Place the oysters, hinge-side down, on the grill grate. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl up and the shells start to open.
- Baste the oysters with lemon-dill butter: Use a spoon to baste the oysters with the lemon-dill butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the oysters are cooked through.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the grilled oysters to a serving platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional lemon-dill butter.
Conclusion:
Grilled oysters with lemon-dill butter are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They are perfect for a summer cookout or a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this classic seafood dish in the comfort of your own home.
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