Charbroiled Oysters with Herb Butter

Ingredients

• 12 fresh oysters 12 fresh oysters
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 240 kcal / 1004 KJ
• Fat: 22g (14g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 3g (0g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Shuck the oysters and place them on the grill, flat side up.
4. 4.
   Spoon a generous amount of the herb butter mixture onto each oyster.
5. 5.
   Close the grill and cook the oysters for about 5-7 minutes, or until the edges curl and the butter is melted and bubbly.
6. 6.
   Carefully remove the oysters from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the charbroiled oysters hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Oysters — Ensure that the oysters are fresh and properly shucked before grilling. Discard any oysters with broken shells or those that do not close tightly when tapped.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter for the herb butter mixture to control the saltiness. If using salted butter, adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the herb butter.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh parsley and chives for the best flavor. Finely chop them to release their aromatic oils.
• Lemon juice — Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright and tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the oysters from sticking to the grill, you can place them on a bed of rock salt or a sheet of aluminum foil.
• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the herb butter mixture.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can lightly sauté the minced garlic in a small amount of butter before adding it to the herb butter mixture.
• Experiment with different herb combinations such as thyme, tarragon, or basil to customize the flavor profile of the herb butter.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also broil the oysters in the oven on high heat for a similar charred effect.

Serving advice

Serve the charbroiled oysters as an appetizer or as part of a seafood feast. Provide small forks or seafood picks for easy enjoyment. Accompany the dish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the oysters to enhance their flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the charbroiled oysters on a large platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and the herb butter is visible. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an added touch of elegance. Serve immediately to showcase the oysters' enticing appearance.