Best 4 New Years Oyster Stew Recipes

**Indulge in the Exquisite Flavors of New Year's Oyster Stew: A Culinary Journey of Creamy Delights**

As the New Year approaches, culinary traditions take center stage, and among them shines the delectable New Year's oyster stew. This classic dish, steeped in history and brimming with flavors, offers a symphony of textures and tastes that warm the soul and tantalize the palate. Embark on a culinary voyage with our comprehensive guide, featuring a diverse collection of oyster stew recipes that cater to various preferences and skill levels. From traditional preparations that honor the timeless essence of this dish to contemporary twists that introduce exciting flavor dimensions, our recipes promise an unforgettable gustatory experience. Whether you prefer a creamy, broth-based stew brimming with plump oysters, or a hearty chowder-like creation packed with vegetables and herbs, our curated selection has something for every palate. Prepare to savor the briny sweetness of oysters, enveloped in a symphony of creamy textures and aromatic herbs. Let the New Year's oyster stew tradition fill your home with warmth, joy, and the irresistible allure of culinary bliss.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC OYSTER STEW RECIPE

Classic Oyster Stew Recipe image

There are countless versions of this simple, elegant stew. To achieve the perfect texture of just-cooked oysters, poach them in the milk until their edges begin to curl, set aside, and return them to the stew just before serving.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Categories Oysters

Time 35m

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 pt. shucked fresh oysters, undrained
2 cups milk
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup butter
1 shallot, minced
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons sherry
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
Fresh lemon juice
Dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
Oyster crackers, saltine crackers, or buttered toast

Steps:

Drain oysters, reserving oyster liquor (about 1 cup). Heat milk and oyster liquor in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching, 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture just begins to steam. Add oysters, and season with desired amount of salt and pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until the edges of the oysters just begin to curl. Remove pan from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer oysters to a plate to prevent them from overcooking.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 4 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle flour over shallot mixture, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until completely incorporated and bubbly. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and next 3 ingredients. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Gradually stir in reserved milk mixture and oysters. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through. Season to taste with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Serve with crackers.

NEW ENGLAND OYSTER STEW

New England Oyster Stew image

My friend Elaine, a New Englander, swore this is the only way to make oyster stew which is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. She flatly said, "Do not use west coast oysters. East coast oysters are preferred; gulf coast oysters may also be used."

Provided by Lorraine of AZ

Categories < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (1/4 pound)
1 quart oyster
1 quart whole milk
1 quart half-and-half
salt and pepper

Steps:

Melt butter in a large pot. Add the oysters with their liquor. Heat until the oysters curl.
Meanwhile heat the whole milk and half-and-half . Add to the pot when the oysters have curled.
Salt and pepper to taste. The stew will take a lot of seasoning.
Heat to serving temperature and serve.

NEW YEAR'S OYSTER STEW RECIPE

New Year's Oyster Stew Recipe image

This was in Taste of Home and while the contributor's name wasn't given she said: "My husband is a former member of the Air Force's Thunderbird team, and I developed this recipe after he invited the whole team to our house on short notice for an informal dinner. It was very easy-it was done in 45 minutes, and it turned out to be the best oyster stew I'd ever made!"

Provided by Annacia

Categories Stew

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 medium leeks, chopped (white portion only)
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups hot water
3 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
4 (16 ounce) cans oysters, drained, 64 ounces total
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper, to taste
minced fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, saute leeks in butter for 10 minutes or until tender. Add the potatoes, water and bouillon; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Cool.
Transfer to a blender. Cover and process until blended. Return to the pan; stir in the milk, cream, oysters, cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook on low until heated through (do not boil). Garnish with parsley. Yield: 12 servings.

OYSTER STEW

Oyster Stew image

This rich, creamy stew is best made with freshly shucked oysters.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium white onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
4 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 pint shucked oysters with liquor (juice)
Paprika, for garnish
Hot sauce, for garnish (optional)
Oyster crackers, for garnish

Steps:

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Do not brown. Add milk, cream, salt, cayenne, white pepper, and liquor. Bring just to a boil; cook, barely simmering, 5 minutes. Add oysters; cook just until edges curl, 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with paprika; hot sauce, if using; and crackers. Serve.

Tips:

Select Fresh Oysters: Choose plump, tightly closed oysters with a briny smell. Avoid any with cracked or damaged shells.
Clean the Oysters: Scrub the oyster shells thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris. Discard any oysters that do not close when tapped.
Use Good Quality Stock: The base of your stew is important, so use a flavorful seafood or chicken stock. You can also make your own stock using oyster shells.
Cook the Oysters Briefly: Overcooking the oysters will make them tough and rubbery. Cook them just until the edges curl and they are opaque throughout.
Add Vegetables and Herbs: Enhance the flavor of the stew by adding vegetables like celery, onions, and carrots. Herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley also add depth of flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill add a vibrant touch and freshness to the stew.
Serve with Crusty Bread or Crackers: Enjoy your oyster stew with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic New Year's Oyster Stew recipe. The combination of plump, briny oysters, flavorful broth, and aromatic vegetables creates a warm and satisfying dish. Whether you're celebrating the New Year or simply craving a hearty and delicious meal, this stew is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and elegant presentation, it's a culinary delight that will leave you feeling cozy and content. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and experience the timeless tradition of New Year's Oyster Stew.