The Ultimate Guide to Steaming and Grilling Oysters: A Recipe for Succulent, Juicy Deliciousness

There are numerous ways to cook oysters, and one of the most popular methods is to steam or grill them. In this article, I’ll share with you how to steam and grill oysters while preserving their delicious flavor and nutritional value.

Once you’ve purchased your oysters, it’s time to clean them under cold running water using a stiff brush to scrub the shells. If you notice any oysters that have opened their shells or have cracks, they are likely dead and should be discarded.

Clean the oysters

Note:
It’s best to cook oysters immediately after cleaning. Avoid cleaning them too early, as fresh oysters can die quickly and lose their sweet taste.

1How to Steam Oysters

After cleaning your oysters, it’s time to move on to the steaming process:

Step 1

Pour water into a pot until it reaches a height of about 5cm, and then add a glass of wine or half a glass of beer. Alcoholic beverages like wine or beer are commonly used in steamed seafood dishes as they enhance the natural flavor of the seafood.

Step 2

Place a steaming rack inside the pot, arrange the oysters on it, cover with a lid, and turn on the heat to medium. Steam the oysters for around 5 minutes for a slightly undercooked texture, or 10 minutes for a more well-done result. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will affect their taste and make them less enjoyable.

Steaming oysters

Alternatively, if you have an oven, you can place the oysters on a baking tray, add a small amount of water, and steam them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at a moderate temperature.

Note:
After steaming, discard any oysters that haven’t opened their shells, as these are likely dead and not safe to eat.

For a delicious and nutritious treat, try making a milkshake!

2How to Grill Oysters

There are two main methods for grilling oysters: grilling them in their shells or shucking them and grilling them with a sauce.

Grilling Oysters in Their Shells

Place the oysters directly on the grill and wait until they start to open their shells slightly (this should take around 5-6 minutes). Then, remove them from the grill, separate the shells, and add your choice of sauce or dip.

Grilling oysters in their shells

Grilling Oysters with Sauce

For this method, you’ll need to prepare a sauce beforehand. You can use a ready-made barbecue sauce or create your own by mixing garlic with butter, green onion with butter, or a spicy salt mixture, depending on your taste preferences.

Once you’ve made your sauce, shuck the oysters, pour the sauce over the oyster meat, and place them on the grill.

Check out my previous article on how to shuck oysters for a step-by-step guide on this process.

Pro Tip: It’s best to grill oysters until they are just cooked through. Overcooking will make the meat tough and less appetizing.

Grilling oysters with sauce

Now you know how to steam and grill oysters to perfection! If you’re an oyster lover, give these cooking methods a try and enjoy the delicious results. Feel free to share your own oyster cooking tips and tricks in the comments below.