I grew up in Virginia and the mainstays on the holiday table were always foods indigenous to the Tidewater region. Smithfield hams, of course, blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock oysters. These oysters with a simple, bracing thyme mignonette are a great way to enjoy the seafood bounty.
The first time I ever had an oyster I was about 5 or 6 years old. I was with my parents at one of their friends’ homes. They were serving raw oysters on the half shell as an appetizer. I remember my Dad offering one to me.
His earnest grin made me want to do it. I took the shell and let the oyster slip into my mouth. I chewed once or twice and swallowed. My father beamed! I think he was proud that I hadn’t made a face or pronounced it, “gross”. I was thrilled to receive his approval!
Thus, my love of the oyster began! And this year, when we received a large box of fresh Rappahannock oysters from Myne, Uncle Buck and Aunt Lynne, I giggled with greedy anticipation. Thank you soooo much!
Scott got an oyster shucking primer on You Tube (give the guy a break, he’s from Minnesota — nary a bivalve in sight) and we were ready!
I served the first delicate morsels on Christmas night. I made Oysters Rockefeller. I didn’t have Pernod and the stores were closed, so I skipped it. While many recipes called for cheese, I ended up topping them with a few spoonfuls of hollandaise sauce leftover from our morning benedicts. Not too shabby.
But this is the way I prefer them. Raw, on the half shell, with a simple mignonette. They’re delicate, briny and utterly delicious! This is the perfect way to ring in the New Year — don’t forget the champagne!
More oyster recipes you’ll love:
- Pan Fried Oysters Oreganata
- Sausage and Oyster Dressing
- Citrusy Grilled Oysters
- Deep Fried Oysters with Remoulade
- Classic Oyster Stew
- Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Oysters with Thyme Mignonette
Equipment
- Oyster Shucker
Ingredients
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns crushed with a mortar and pestle or pulsed in a coffee grinder
- 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
- 3 dozen oysters shucked, on the half shell
Instructions
- Combine shallots, peppercorns, vinegars, sugar, salt and thyme leaves in a small bowl. Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.
- Shuck oysters. Hold the oyster with a clean dish towel and insert the oyster knife into the hinge of the oyster, twist until it pops. Run the blade of the knife along the top and bottom of the shell to dislodge the oyster, being careful to preserve the liquor in the shell.
- Spread the rock salt on a serving platter. Nestle the oysters in the rock salt for stability (so you don’t lose any of the liquor).
- Set the oysters on a bed of crushed ice to keep them chilled.
- Spoon a little mignonette onto an oyster – and slurp!
Notes
Nutrition
More Oyster Recipes:
G’day All, your oysters look a touch different to ours but the anatomy is the same. To be a touch indelicate , yours look like they squeezed out of a ferrets bum !! When you open the oyster and free it from the adductor muscle use the blade to flip over the oyster. You should find it will be more attractive to the eye and a better presentation on the platter.
Bon Appetit !!!
From the Land Downunder !!
That is the funniest description! I’ll take your suggestions under advisement!
I am seriously not a sea food fan, but this looks amazing! Maybe, at some point in my life…I will allow this haha!
I know not everyone likes oysters — but for people who do — this is a classic!
These oysters look so tasty! I just might have to make them for Christmas!
I just received a shipment from Rappahannock Oyster Co. I’m so excited!!!!
I think my friends are gonna think I’m amazing if I serve these. You’re going to make me look LEGIT! 🙂 So beautiful and perfectly festive.
You are legit – and I’m sure you’re friends think so too!
I’ve never had oysters, so these sound like fun. Your presentation looks marvelous. Thanks for the recipe.
Debi – oysters are one of my all time favorites. Give ’em a try!
We too, served the same oysters with a mignonette sauce for Christmas; and are serving them “Rockefeller” style for New Year’s. Yum!
I live in Hampton, Virginia, and am thrilled with your regional recipes!
Wow! Small world! I’m glad you are enjoying them! I was thrilled to receive these oysters as a Christmas gift!