Veracruz-style Oysters with a Fusion Twist

Ingredients

In this fusion adaptation, we incorporate global ingredients and flavors to enhance the traditional Veracruz-style oysters. The original recipe is elevated with the addition of ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and soy sauce, which infuse the dish with a subtle Asian influence. These fusion elements add a new layer of complexity to the dish, creating a unique and exciting flavor profile that sets it apart from the traditional version. We alse have the original recipe for Ostiones a la veracruzana, so you can check it out.

• 12 fresh oysters 12 fresh oysters
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers (15g) 1 tablespoon capers (15g)
• 1 tablespoon green olives, sliced (15g) 1 tablespoon green olives, sliced (15g)
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos, chopped (15g) 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos, chopped (15g)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (240g) 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (240g)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g) 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml) 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15ml) 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g) 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (2g) 1 teaspoon paprika (2g)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2.
   Scrub the oysters under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Shuck the oysters and place them on a baking sheet.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the capers, green olives, pickled jalapenos, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and lemongrass to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Spoon the sauce over the shucked oysters, ensuring each oyster is generously coated.
7. 7.
   Bake the oysters in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters begin to curl and the sauce is bubbling.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Veracruz-style oysters immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release its aromatic oils and infuse the sauce with its unique flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add an extra pickled jalapeno.
• Serve the Veracruz-style oysters with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• For a smoky twist, grill the oysters instead of baking them in the oven.
• Experiment with different types of olives to add a unique flavor dimension to the dish.
• Pair the Veracruz-style oysters with a crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita for a delightful culinary experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Veracruz-style oysters as an appetizer or a main course. Accompany them with crusty bread or tortilla chips to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Veracruz-style oysters on a platter, ensuring the vibrant red sauce is visible. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green color. Serve with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for an inviting presentation.