Grilled Oysters with 5 Sauces Recipe

"Grilled oysters are delicious and easy to prepare. These are five (5) different sauces that I like to top my grilled oysters with. Now, there is always the traditional garlic butter or cocktail sauce; but these sauces really just take the oysters over the top. The method for grilling the oysters is the same, but try one of these sauces the next time you decide to grill oysters. To grill the oysters you have 3 choices: (1) You can shuck them yourself by prying open the shell, and then running a knife under the oyster to remove it from the shell, returning the oyster to the half shell; (2) you can have your fish guy "monger" do it for you; or, (3) you can place the oysters on the grill for 2-3 minutes and the heat will help the oysters start to open. Then, you can pry them open and run a knife under the oyster. Either way, you want to end up with the oysters on the half shell, and the oyster itself separated from the shell. Make sure to serve the oysters with crackers or crusty bread and enjoy."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Oysters ... First, make sure that the oysters are scrubbed, rinsed, shucked, and the oyster is separated from the shell. Add (approximately) 1 teaspoon of the sauce to each oyster - but remember, the sauce is a condiment, you don't want to smother your oyster in the sauce.

Step 2

Sauces ... Again, these sauces are meant to compliment the oyster, so don't add too much. Also, the size of the oyster will also determine how much sauce to add. The sauces make approximately 1/2 cup which will top 24 oysters with 1 teaspoon. But add as much as you like. If you use less, you can top 36 oysters. Any of these sauces can be made ahead.

Step 3

For Sauces #1 and #2 ... Simply mix all the ingredients together and then add a 1/2-1 teaspoon or so to each oyster.

Step 4

For Sauces #3 and #4 ... The white wine needs to be reduced by half; so add the white wine to a small pot and bring to a light boil, reduce to low, and simmer approximately 5 minutes until the wine has reduced by half. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Then simply mix all the ingredients together and add 1/2-1 teaspoon or so to each oyster.

Step 5

For Sauce #5 ... Add the wine and heavy cream to a small pot and bring to a light boil, reduce to low, and simmer approximately 5 minutes until it is reduced in half. Add the tomatoes, garlic, shallot and parsley and mix well. Add 1/2-1 teaspoon or so to each oyster.

Step 6

Serve ... For a simple serving method. Add kosher salt to a large serving platter and set the oysters on the salt - it makes a bed for them to rest on so they don't slide or tip. ENJOY! And don't forget the crackers or crusty bread.

Step 7

Grill ... Add the oysters to a hot grill (gas or charcoal) and cook 5-8 minutes (depending on the heat of the grill, and the size of the oysters) until the oyster's edge begins to curl. Remember, we are lightly cooking the oyster - and you still want it moist, plump, and juicy. The sauce and the liquid from the oyster itself will keep the oyster juicy as it cooks. I have never tried these in the oven, but have been told it works.