Chef Jessica Monty
Campfire Grilled Oysters
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Dozen fresh medium oysters
- 1 cup parsley, rough chop
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2-3 anchovies
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
DIRECTIONS
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Add ice to a tray or serving platter.
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Shuck your oysters, and set aside on the ice tray. Do not let oysters sit in water.
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Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife using the heel of your palm.
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Add the anchovies and salt to the garlic and continue to smash and drag the side edge of your knife until a paste is formed. Set aside.
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Warm your pan, medium heat.
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Melt garlic and add shallots. Sauté shallots for a couple minutes and add the garlic / anchovy paste.
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Take off the heat and add Parsley. Set aside.
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Set grill to medium heat. Carefully place oysters on the grill spooning garlic herb sauce over the top. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until sauce bubbles and oysters are warmed through.
KNIIFE UTILIZED
The Oliva Elite Kullens Santoku 7" is ideal for heavier prep like slicing chicken, chopping vegetables, and mincing herbs
Why Campfire Grilled Oysters?
1. Fire Enhances Flavor:
Grilling oysters over a campfire adds a subtle, smoky depth that complements their natural brininess. The heat gently steams the oysters in their own juices, creating a warm, buttery bite with a hint of char.
2. Simple, Yet Impressive:
They require minimal prep—just fresh oysters, a hot fire, and maybe a dab of garlic butter or hot sauce. Yet they feel gourmet and indulgent, making them perfect for outdoor gatherings.
3. Built-in Cookware:
Oysters come with their own "cooking vessel"—the shell. This makes them ideal for the campfire, needing no pans or foil. Just place them cup-side down over the heat and wait for them to pop open.
4. Interactive and Fun:
Grilling oysters is a hands-on, social experience. Waiting for them to open, customizing toppings, and slurping them straight from the shell adds to the fun and connection around the fire.
5. Coastal Tradition:
In many coastal regions—from the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast—grilled oysters are a classic, celebrated campfire tradition, blending fresh seafood with the rustic charm of outdoor cooking.
