These delicious Grilled Oysters are the perfect appetizer recipe that is best enjoyed on a warm, summer day! Made with a flavorful herby butter that really takes them to the next level. We have been making these grilled oysters in the shell for years and can’t wait for you to try them!
The Best Grilled Oysters Recipe
I know some people are a little put off by oysters, the way you eat them, their texture…. but you need to try this recipe. It is ridiculous how amazing these taste. The smokiness of being cooked on the grill with warm, melted herby butter…. I mean, come on. Just try it! These easy grilled oysters are perfect for enjoying on the deck or patio with a cocktail in hand, trust us!
If you love cooking seafood recipes as much as we do, we highly recommend our making our Mussels in White Wine Sauce!
What You Will Need
- butter – any seafood recipe is always better with some melted butter!
- fresh garlic – love adding a little garlic flavor to the mix.
- parmesan cheese – perfect for adding a salty, creaminess to this butter sauce.
- fresh parsley – we love growing this fresh herb in our garden every year or pick some up at your local grocery store.
- thyme or parsley – adding all the best flavor!
- raw oysters – not all oysters will pop open as they cook, so be sure to purchase a few more than you need. We love blue point oysters!
- lemon wedges – a great addition to your oyster recipe when serving.
How To Cook Oysters On The Grill
The first steps to making this easy recipe are to gather the 6 simple ingredients listed in the recipe card. Place the herb butter ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix to combine. Then give the oyster shells a quick rinse under cold water. Pro tip – the part where the two sides of the shell come together should be nearest to the faucet. That way, if the shell is part way open, no water will get inside.
Preheat the gas grill to 400 degrees F. Place the oysters directly on the hot grill grates and leave them on for about 3 minutes cook time, or until they pop open. Carefully remove the opened oysters to a plate.
Next, use an oyster knife or regular paring knife to pry open the shell and remove the top shell. Try to keep as much of the oyster juices in the bottom shells as you can. Then use your knife to release the oyster meat from the shell and add a little bit of the butter mixture to the oyster half shell. Place them back on the hot grill and increase to a high heat of 500 degrees F. Cook for 1-2 minutes, remove from the grill, and place on a rimmed baking sheet!
Best Ways To Serve Grilled Oysters
Personally, we love to serve perfectly chargrilled oysters with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and that’s it! If you like a little kick of heat, feel free to add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkling of cayenne pepper. They make the perfect appetizer recipe when you are already firing up your grill for lunch or dinner. Checkout some of our amazing grilled recipes for dinner inspiration!
Recipe FAQ
No, they do not need to be shucked before being placed on the grill. They are cooked inside the oyster shell.
Yes! We recommend giving them a quick wash and scrub under cold water before cooking. Try to keep the side of the oyster shell that opens pointed down as you rinse to try and keep the water on the outside of the oyster.
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Grilled Oysters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
Our Grilled Oysters recipe is best served with our herby butter – truly delicious and surprisingly easy!
Ingredients
Herby Butter:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2–3 teaspoons parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme or rosemary, minced
Grilled Oysters:
- 12 fresh oysters
Instructions
- Mix Herby Butter ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, set aside.
- Clean thoroughly to remove any salt/dirt from the oysters. Ensure grill grates are clean.
- Heat grill to 400 degrees F. and place oysters on grill grates; Close grill; Let warm for 3 minutes or until oysters begin just begin to open up. Remove oysters as they open and transfer to plate.
- Carefully pry open oysters to remove the top side of shell, keeping as much natural juices in the “cup” side as possible along with the muscle. Using a knife, carefully cut where the muscle meets the shell so that they are no longer connected. Place approx. 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Herby Butter on top of each oyster.
- Increase grill temperature to 500 degrees and place oysters back on the grill. Close lid and let cook for approx. 1-2 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oysters: to the best of your ability, try to pick oysters that lay as flat as possible so they don’t tip over when you set them down – then that natural brine/liquid will run out. Also, I have found that if I buy 12 oysters, about 2-3 just won’t open, so plan accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oysters
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 161.5 mg
- Fat: 8.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.2 g
- Protein: 9.8 g
- Cholesterol: 65.7 mg
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