Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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.

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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. 

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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!

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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!

Newsletter Signup
Join our community of food lovers!

Get my latest recipes, helpful kitchen tips and more good things each week in your inbox.

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette
Oysters with Thyme Mignonette
Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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!

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette
Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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.

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

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!

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

More oyster recipes you’ll love:

Tried this recipe? Leave a rating and review.

Your comments and shares are invaluable to me and the thousands of readers who use this site daily. If you've made the recipe, leave a star rating and review. We want to hear how you liked it.

We'd love it if you shared the recipe with your friends on social media!

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette
Print Pin
4.34 from 3 votes

Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

Shucking oysters isn’t difficult, it just takes some practice.  The mignonette is ready in minutes.
Author: Lisa Lotts
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword oysters
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8

SPECIAL 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

DIRECTIONS:

  • 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:

If you’re unfamiliar with oyster shucking, check out the link I embedded in the article. After two or three, Scott felt comfortable with his task.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Oysters with Thyme Mignonette

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

13 Comments

  1. Terry Powell says:

    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 !!

    1. That is the funniest description! I’ll take your suggestions under advisement!

  2. I am seriously not a sea food fan, but this looks amazing! Maybe, at some point in my life…I will allow this haha!

    1. I know not everyone likes oysters — but for people who do — this is a classic!

  3. These oysters look so tasty! I just might have to make them for Christmas!

    1. I just received a shipment from Rappahannock Oyster Co. I’m so excited!!!!

  4. 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.

    1. You are legit – and I’m sure you’re friends think so too!

  5. I’ve never had oysters, so these sound like fun. Your presentation looks marvelous. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Debi – oysters are one of my all time favorites. Give ’em a try!

  6. 5 stars
    We too, served the same oysters with a mignonette sauce for Christmas; and are serving them “Rockefeller” style for New Year’s. Yum!

  7. Beth howell says:

    5 stars
    I live in Hampton, Virginia, and am thrilled with your regional recipes!

    1. Wow! Small world! I’m glad you are enjoying them! I was thrilled to receive these oysters as a Christmas gift!