What kind of oysters are best for this Smoky Lemon Garlic Oysters recipe?

For this recipe, fresh, plump, and briny oysters are ideal. Varieties like Kumamoto, Miyagi, or Bluepoint work wonderfully. Always ensure they are sourced from a reputable dealer and are fresh.

Can I shuck oysters ahead of time for this recipe?

While it's best to shuck oysters right before baking for optimal freshness, you can shuck them up to 1-2 hours in advance. Keep them on the half shell, covered with a damp cloth, and refrigerated until ready to use.

How do I know when the Smoky Lemon Garlic Oysters are perfectly cooked?

Oysters are cooked when their edges begin to curl slightly, and the butter mixture is visibly bubbly and fragrant. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough. Typically, 10-12 minutes in a 400u00b0F (200u00b0C) oven is sufficient.

What are the best serving suggestions for these gourmet oysters?

These oysters are fantastic as a standalone appetizer. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, a light green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlicky butter. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.

Smoky Lemon Garlic Oysters: Your Ultimate Gourmet Appetizer

Name: Smoky Lemon Garlic Oysters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked, on the half shell; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 large lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Rock salt (for baking sheet, optional)

Description

A gourmet appetizer featuring fresh oysters baked with a vibrant, smoky lemon garlic butter.

Ingredients

Scale

2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked, on the half shell
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 large lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Rock salt (for baking sheet, optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, spread a layer of rock salt on a baking sheet to help stabilize the oysters.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Carefully spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the smoky lemon garlic butter mixture over each shucked oyster, ensuring some of the butter coats the oyster itself.
Step 4: Arrange the prepared oysters on the baking sheet, making sure they are stable and not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters begin to curl slightly and the butter mixture is bubbly and fragrant.
Step 6: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For the freshest taste, purchase oysters the day you plan to cook them. If shucking yourself, use a sturdy oyster knife and a protective glove. If shucking in advance, keep them on ice and covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 oysters
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg