5 Delicious Ways To Cook Oysters

Roasted over an open flame, broiled with garlic butter, or served raw with a spritz of lemon—there are countless ways to enjoy an oyster. Cooking oysters is guaranteed to draw out new textures and flavors, like in the recipes below. But first, there are a few rules to follow when cooking oysters.

Our Tips On Cooking Oysters

If you're new to cooking oysters, we have some tips that apply no matter your cooking method:

• Fresh oysters have the best texture and flavor. You might get away with frozen or canned in a soup or stew, but otherwise you'll want to purchase fresh. Also, buy oysters that smell fresh and are stored on ice.
• Before you start cooking, check for oyster shells that have opened up. Unless they move when you touch them, those oysters have died and should be thrown out.
• Farmed oysters can be eaten any time of year. Wild oysters spawn in summer and tend to be unpleasant eating.
• Oysters can get chewy or tough when overcooked. Follow your recipe carefully to make sure you don't overcook them.

How To Grill Oysters

Shuck your oysters and put them on a grill heated to 450 degrees, either on a baking sheet or shell side down on the grate. Top each oyster with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chopped herbs (parsley, tarragon, chives, or even cilantro), then close the grill or cover with tin foil. Cook five minutes, or until the oysters are simmering in their shells. Remove the oysters with tongs and serve with crackers.

How To Fry Oysters

To prepare perfect fried oysters (with a crispy crust and a custardy middle), heat 3 inches of canola oil to 360 degrees in a Dutch oven. Dredge shucked oysters in seasoned flour, then a whisked mixture of egg, water, and buttermilk, and finally, crushed potato chips, such as Zapp's Voodoo. Fry the oysters for two to three minutes until golden, then remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with horseradish remoulade, pickled okra tartar sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.

Try this recipe: Fried Oysters

How To Broil Oysters

Oysters broiled in their shells and topped with buttery breadcrumbs look beautiful and taste divine. Heat the broiler, then mix melted butter, toasted breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chopped herbs (chervil, parsley, and tarragon) and distribute evenly over oysters on the half shell. Broil on a baking sheet for four minutes until the breadcrumbs toast and turn brown. Serve with lemon wedges.

Try this recipe: Broiled Oysters With Tasso Breadcrumbs

How To Bake Or Roast Oysters

Roasted oysters can be prepared with a quick turn in the oven, or as The Grey's Mashama Bailey in Savannah, Georgia, does, under wet burlap on a grill. Either way, top with a garlic butter laden with fresh herbs. Arrange 2 dozen oysters on a baking sheet or grill top, and cook at 450-degrees for 10 minutes, or until the oysters open. Spoon 2 teaspoons of garlic butter on each oyster, and dig in.

Try this recipe: Baked Oysters with Bacon, Greens, and Parmesan

How To Steam Oysters

If you're planning a neighborhood block party, we've got lots of tips on how to hold your own oyster roast. But on a smaller scale, you can steam your oysters on the stove. Place the oysters in a single layer in a steamer basket and then cover with a lid (the water should be low enough that it won't touch—you don't want to boil your oysters). Steam for about five minutes, then place on a platter to rest. Shuck the oysters, then serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce.