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Garlic & Zest

Calling all cooks! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table! At Garlic & Zest, I’ll show you how to make hundreds of seasonal, fresh recipes and indulgent comfort foods with easy step-by-step instructions and photos to help you master the dish.

Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters

Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
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Pop Quiz: What are the TOP 3 Best Food Cities in America?  If you drill down too far, you could get lost in regional delights (I would LOVE to do that sometime),  but my quick fire response would be: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans.  Not necessarily in that order.  In fact, New Orleans would probably rank first, just for their sincere and abiding love of seafood, spice and butter.  Who can argue with that?

 


oysters Rappahannock River Oysters

So for Mardi Gras, since we won’t be reveling in the French Quarter (darn-it), we’re making some fabulous grilled oysters, N’Awlins style.  These oysters came from the Rappahannock River Oyster Company in Rappahannock, Virginia.  I’m partial – since I’m from this region of the country — and to me, these are the best!  Not too big, creamy and briny and utterly slurp-able!  Fantastic raw on the half shell, but completely indulgent when bathed in a spicy butter!

 

melted butter cajun seasoning in butter

The simple topping for these bivalves is a rich combination of melted butter, smoked paprika, cayenne, worcestershire, lemon and parsley – and it takes about 5 minutes to make.  I love that.

 

whole oysters grilling oysters

If you’ve ever shucked oysters, you know that sometimes it can be a struggle finding the hinge to pry it open.  When you grill the oysters, the frustration is alleviated because they will open for you… a beautiful yawn that makes it easy to remove the top shell.  Just be sure that you put the “cup” side down on the grill — you don’t want  the briny liquor to seep out when the shell opens.

 

grilled oysters

After just a few minutes on the fire, the oysters are ready.  Just spoon the butter sauce over the top and add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a little extra tangy heat!  I recommend Crystal’s — it’s a Louisiana favorite!

 

adding cajun butter to Mardi Gras Grilled OystersServing Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters Garnishing Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters Adding Hot Sauce To Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters

 

5 from 6 votes
Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Print
Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

This simple recipe for New Orleans inspired grilled oysters is drenched with tangy spicy Cajun flavor!

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 105 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 dozen oysters in their shell
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ~ 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like it
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped fresh
  • hot sauce such as Crystal
Instructions
  1. Heat the grill to high heat - about 450°-500°.
  2. Scrub the oyster to remove any mud or grit and rinse under cool water, set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and parsley - stir to combine and remove from heat.
  4. Place the oysters flat side up on the hot grill (you don't want the oyster liquor to escape -- so make sure the rounded side is resting on the grill grates). Cook on the grill for 3-4 minutes, just until the oysters crack open slightly. Transfer the oysters to a platter.
  5. Using an oyster shucker, slip the tip of the shucker into the opened crack in the oyster. Run the oyster shucker back to the hinge of the oyster and twist it to open. If the oyster is still attached to the muscle on the shell, run the shucker between the oyster and the muscle to detach, being careful not to spill any of the liquid. Arrange the oysters on a platter and spoon one teaspoon of the butter sauce over each oyster. Garnish with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce (we like Crystal). Serve.
Nutrition Facts
Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 124mg 5%
Potassium 31mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Vitamin A 9.5%
Vitamin C 2.9%
Calcium 0.9%
Iron 1.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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This simple recipe for New Orleans inspired grilled oysters is drenched with tangy spicy Cajun flavor!

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Appetizers// Other// Outdoor Cooking// Seafood46 Comments

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Comments

  1. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    February 20, 2017 at 9:37 AM

    Oh, how amazing would it be to actually be in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras!? But I think enjoying your gorgeous oysters would be a very close second – they look amazing!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 10:25 AM

      I’ve been in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and caught so many beads that they nearly broke my neck! Good times!

      Reply
  2. brandidcrawfordgmailcom says

    February 20, 2017 at 10:09 AM

    This is absolutely perfect! I have never considered grilling. What an amazing idea. And I love your suggestion of making this spicy cayenne pepper and hot sauce. How yummy!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 10:26 AM

      Thanks so much! Let me know if you make them and how you like it!

      Reply
  3. Platter Talk says

    February 20, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    Your recipe just goes to prove that simple is always best! I love oysters and am looking forward to try this method!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 11:40 AM

      Thank you! I agree, sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying!

      Reply
  4. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

    February 20, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    I don’t eat seafood, but oysters have always intrigued me! So simple and I’ve heard that they taste of the sea! So magical!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 11:41 AM

      I grew up on oysters and seafood, so I’m always surprised to hear of people who don’t eat it. Yes, oysters are briny, but not salty and while I love them raw on the half shell, this method is a close second.

      Reply
  5. Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes says

    February 20, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    These sound special – I love that spicy butter and your technique to get over the frustrating part of trying to open them. What a treat.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 11:43 AM

      To be fair, my husband usually shucks the oysters, but he enjoyed the ease of letting these bivalves open themselves!

      Reply
  6. hotpinkshrink says

    February 20, 2017 at 5:25 PM

    I never had oysters actually. I think it’s one of those things that are kind of bland until you add a bunch of stuff to give it flavor and life. I would be willing to give them a shot. Your recipe seems easy enough for am oyster novice. It certainly looks good!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 5:46 PM

      Well, you can’t go wrong with the spiced butter! Definitely adds flavor!

      Reply
  7. Kassie says

    February 20, 2017 at 5:38 PM

    Love that these are simple but look delicious! Definitely would love to give making them a try!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 5:47 PM

      Glad you like them, Kassie!

      Reply
  8. Kristen Llorca says

    February 20, 2017 at 5:41 PM

    I’ve had NOLA on my mind all week. I think you just convinced me that now I have to go. Thanks for this beautiful share!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 20, 2017 at 5:48 PM

      We love NOLA, but haven’t been in ages… I’ll have to revisit through food this year… maybe beignets?

      Reply
  9. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says

    February 20, 2017 at 5:53 PM

    Oh man.. I LOVE fresh oysters! They’re so hard to find here– it’s a tragedy! I wonder if frozen raw ones would work. This made me so hungry– now I’m going to go on an oyster hunt lol

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 21, 2017 at 7:10 AM

      I wouldn’t bother with frozen oysters — find a reputable fish monger and make him/her your best friend – that’s what I would do!

      Reply
      • Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says

        February 21, 2017 at 7:33 AM

        I’m too far from the ocean! Maybe I’ll just save it for when I visit the beach ?

        Reply
        • Lisa says

          February 21, 2017 at 12:39 PM

          Oh, no! Well, I’m one mile from the ocean – so there you go! Look me up the next time you visit Florida!

          Reply
  10. michele says

    February 21, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    Im kind of embarrassed to say Ive never had a cooked oyster? But Im going to remedy that because I love that I won’t have to shuck them to eat them…. I cant believe I never thought how much easier that would be!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 21, 2017 at 12:40 PM

      Don’t be embarrassed, you have to start somewhere! Grilling is the easiest method to me!

      Reply
  11. Matthew Cetta says

    February 22, 2017 at 5:40 PM

    We have a family friend with an oyster farm in the Chesapeake Bay so we get fresh oysters from time to time. I’m so printing this out for the next time we get a batch!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 22, 2017 at 5:54 PM

      Who is your friend? And can I be friends with him too?

      Reply
  12. gingeredwhisk says

    February 24, 2017 at 7:12 AM

    Oysters have always intrigued me. They look so slimy and gross but I hear people love them! LOL Someday when I am on a coast and they are caught fresh I am totally going to be brave and try one! These sound like they are lovely!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 24, 2017 at 10:42 AM

      You don’t have to be brave to love oysters — they are absolutely succulent!

      Reply
  13. Donna says

    February 26, 2017 at 9:19 PM

    I am going to have to counter your San Francisco with Sacramento – quiet and unassuming, but there is some AMAZING food to be found and the SF’ers have been coming here in droves to try it out 🙂 I still have to get the New Orleans – on the books this year. These oysters sound amazing!! My husband and 2yo son are totally obsessed with oysters (random I know), so we will be trying these out for sure.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 27, 2017 at 7:22 AM

      Fantastic — I’ve never been to Sacramento before, so I appreciate the local knowledge and for putting it on my radar screen! Are they known for a particular dish?

      Reply
  14. Leah says

    February 26, 2017 at 11:31 PM

    These look amazing! I have never made them myself! My husband would be alllll over these, and they sound great!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 27, 2017 at 7:12 AM

      Well, tomorrow is Fat Tuesday! Let me know how it goes…

      Reply
  15. Amanda {Striped Spatula} says

    February 27, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    These oysters look incredible, Lisa! I’m planning a trip to the seafood market this week and I think this recipe is going to have to be on the menu. That butter sauce has my name all over it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM

      Please let me know how you enjoy them, Amanda!

      Reply
  16. J at BlessHerHeartYall says

    February 27, 2017 at 4:36 PM

    My husband and dad would LOVE this recipe! I agree with you that New Orleans is one of the best places for a foodie to be! All that butter! Beautiful pictures for an oh-so tasty recipe!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 27, 2017 at 4:39 PM

      We really went to town with this one, too! Hope they enjoy it!

      Reply
  17. Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says

    February 27, 2017 at 10:23 PM

    I must admit I have never had oysters before, and I have never been to New Orleans. I guess i need to go there and enjoy some good Southern seafood. Your pictures are gorgeous and make me want to try some of these oysters. I am definitely saving the recipe for later.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 28, 2017 at 7:01 AM

      Neli, New Orleans is one of those iconic food cities that defines its own flavor. It’s unique in that its not one or two specific dishes that make it special — it’s everything!

      Reply
  18. Roxana says

    August 18, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    The ingredients you have used to flavor the oysters are just so mouth watering!!

    Reply
  19. Amy @ The Cook Report says

    August 18, 2017 at 3:38 PM

    I’ve only had oysters a couple of times but this topping is a combination of some of my favourite flavours so maybe I should give them another try

    Reply
  20. Beth says

    August 18, 2017 at 4:20 PM

    Oh, they look delicious! I tried oysters this summer for the first time and loved them! Beautiful photos as usual, Lisa!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      August 18, 2017 at 5:38 PM

      Thanks so much, Beth!

      Reply
  21. Dahn says

    August 18, 2017 at 4:21 PM

    I know some folks don’t care for oysters but I just love them and I really love the “N’Awlins style” flavors you have here.. I gotta try it!!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      August 18, 2017 at 5:38 PM

      Oysters are one of our favorite treats too! You’ll love these!

      Reply
  22. Ginny says

    August 18, 2017 at 6:22 PM

    Ahhh, New Orleans. What an awesome place. You’ve really got these oysters down and with gorgeous pics too.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      August 18, 2017 at 7:59 PM

      I appreciate that! Thanks, Ginny. New Orleans is my secret love.

      Reply
  23. Gin says

    February 12, 2018 at 6:44 PM

    I have had these, or a variety close to this. Delicious and simple to fix. Do you have a recipe for fried oysters..not heavily battered? Trying to get a chef here in East TX to do them this way. Thanks for posting this.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 12, 2018 at 6:51 PM

      I actually grew up on fried oysters — one of my favorites, but believe it or not, I don’t think I’ve ever made them… Let me ask around for some good methods and get back to you!

      Reply

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Meet Lisa

Calling all cooks! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table! At Garlic & Zest, I’ll show you how to make hundreds of seasonal, fresh recipes and indulgent comfort foods with easy step-by-step instructions and photos to help you master the dish.

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