Steaming Oysters: A Beginner's Guide To Succulent Shellfish

Steaming oysters is a quick and simple way to prepare them, and it's not just something that's reserved for restaurants. It can be done at home and produces plump, delicious oysters in minutes. It's also one of the easiest ways to prepare oysters, and a favourite of oyster purists. All you need is fresh, unopened oysters and water. You can steam them with a variety of liquids and subtle flavourings, such as white wine, beer, ginger, shallots, or fresh herbs.

How to prepare oysters for steaming

Preparing oysters for steaming is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you will need to scrub the oysters to remove any mud, grit or barnacles. Use a dull paring knife to carefully remove any barnacles without damaging the shell. Rinse the oysters with cold, running water, ensuring that they do not stand in water.

Next, check for any oysters with broken shells or any that have opened. These should be discarded.

Place the oysters in a steamer pan or basket in a single layer, ensuring that the cup side is down. It is important not to pile them on top of each other to avoid losing their tasty liquor.

At this point, you can add any additional ingredients to the steamer pan to enhance the flavour of the oysters. This could include white wine, beer, ginger, rosemary, thyme or other fresh herbs.

Place the steamer pan or basket over a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water does not touch the oysters. Cover with a lid and steam until the shells open. This usually takes around 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the oysters.

Once the oysters have opened, use tongs to carefully transfer them to a serving tray or plate.

Finally, you may need to use a shucking or paring knife to separate the oyster from the top and bottom shells.

Your oysters are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to steam oysters

Steaming oysters is a simple and effective way to cook them, and it can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients, which should include fresh, unopened oysters, water, and any other seasonings you wish to add. It is recommended to use a pot that can hold at least 8 quarts of water, and you will also need a steaming basket or colander.

To begin, fill your pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add any seasonings you wish to use to the water, such as herbs, spices, olive oil, or wine. Some popular herb choices include parsley and cilantro, and spices such as cloves and paprika. You can use either white wine or olive oil, or a combination of both, with a total of 2-3 tablespoons.

Next, prepare your oysters. Scrub the oysters to remove any mud or grit, and rinse them with cold, running water. Be sure to discard any oysters with broken shells or any that have opened. Place the cleaned oysters in your steaming basket or colander, ensuring they are in a single layer with their cup side down. Do not pile them on top of each other, as you want to retain their tasty liquor.

Now, carefully place the steaming basket or colander over the pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid, ensuring that the boiling water does not touch the oysters. Steam the oysters until the shells open, which should take around 5 minutes for most sizes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will start to become tough and rubbery after 10 minutes.

Once the oysters are cooked, use tongs to transfer them to a serving tray or plate. You may need to use a shucking or paring knife to separate the oyster meat from the shells. Serve the oysters immediately with your desired toppings and accompaniments, such as lemon, hot sauce, or melted butter.

There are also variations on this simple recipe that you can try. For example, you could add a quarter cup of white wine, a diced shallot, and a bay leaf to the water for additional flavor. Alternatively, you could steam the oysters over three cups of beer instead of water, or add slices of ginger or fresh herbs to the steamer before adding the oysters.

How to serve steamed oysters

Steamed oysters are best served hot and fresh, accompanied by a light, crisp wine or bubbly champagne. When serving steamed oysters, it is essential to consider the presentation and flavour of the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you serve steamed oysters:

Step 1: Prepare the Oysters

Scrub the oysters with cold, running water to remove any mud or grit. Ensure that the oysters do not stand in water. Inspect the oysters and discard any with broken shells or those that have already opened.

Step 2: Steam the Oysters

Place the oysters in a steamer pan or basket in a single layer with their cup side down. Avoid piling them on top of each other to prevent losing their tasty liquor. Place the steamer over boiling water, ensuring that the water does not touch the oysters, and cover with a lid.

Steam the oysters until their shells open, which usually takes around 5 minutes, depending on their size. Be mindful that steaming for more than 10 minutes may overcook the oysters, making them tough and rubbery.

Step 3: Plate the Oysters

Carefully transfer the steamed oysters to a serving tray or plate using tongs. You may need to use a shucking or paring knife to separate the oyster meat from the top and bottom shells. You can choose to serve the oysters in the shell or remove them entirely.

Step 4: Garnish and Season

Garnish the oysters with your desired toppings and seasonings. You can use ingredients like lemon, hot sauce, butter, or fresh herbs. For a colourful and tasty presentation, sprinkle some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro on top of the oysters.

Step 5: Pair with Wine or Champagne

Oysters pair well with light, crisp wines like Chablis or sparkling champagne. A glass of bubbly champagne complements the dish, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the steamed oysters immediately while they are still warm and fresh. Enjoy the delicious, tender oysters with your chosen wine or champagne. Remember to provide the necessary utensils, such as small forks or cocktail sticks, for your guests to easily enjoy the oysters.

How to shuck steamed oysters

Shucking steamed oysters is a simple process, but it does require some care and attention. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shuck steamed oysters:

Preparing the Oysters

Before you begin steaming, make sure you have fresh, unopened oysters. Scrub the oysters under cold, running water to remove any mud or grit. You can use a dull paring knife to remove any barnacles. Discard any oysters with broken shells or any that have opened.

Steaming the Oysters

Place the oysters in a steamer pan or basket in a single layer with their cup side down. Don't pile them on top of each other, as you don't want to lose their tasty liquor. Place the steamer over boiling water and cover with a lid. Make sure the boiling water does not touch the oysters.

Steam the oysters until their shells open. This usually takes around 5 minutes, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough and rubbery if steamed for too long.

Shucking the Oysters

Use tongs to transfer the steamed oysters to a serving tray or plate. You can now begin the shucking process. Shucking means removing the oyster meat from the shell. Use a shucking knife or a paring knife to carefully separate the oyster from the top and bottom shells. You may need to wiggle the knife gently to loosen the oyster from the shell.

Serving the Oysters

Once the oysters are shucked, you can serve them as they are or place them back in the bottom shell. Oysters are often served with lemon, hot sauce, or other toppings. You can also experiment with different liquids and subtle flavourings during the steaming process, such as white wine, beer, ginger, or fresh herbs.

Remember to enjoy your steamed oysters fresh and warm, as they are best when they are just cooked!

What to serve with steamed oysters

Steamed oysters are a simple yet delicious dish. The natural flavour of the oysters is key when it comes to serving ideas, as their delicate saltwater taste can be enhanced or overshadowed. Acidic, herbal, and creamy flavours can improve their taste.

Drinks

A bright, crisp white wine is the classic pairing for oysters. A zesty Sauvignon Blanc, with its racy acidity and notes of grapefruit and lemongrass, is a great choice. For a fuller-bodied option, an unoaked Chardonnay will offer a richness to balance the oysters' minerality. Alternatively, a glass of elegant champagne is an indulgent match.

Sauces

A classic mignonette sauce is a perfect pairing with oysters. This French condiment, made with finely minced shallots, red wine vinegar, and cracked black pepper, offers a sharp, acidic contrast that enhances the oysters' fresh, briny flavours.

For cooked oysters, a heartier sauce is a good choice. Tartar sauce, plain or flavoured aioli, remoulade, soy-based dips, and spicy herb mixtures all work well.

Sides

Grilled asparagus and crispy bacon make a great side to oysters, offering a delightful crunch and a smoky flavour contrast.

Lobster tails and lemon herb couscous is another luxurious pairing. The light and zesty couscous adds brightness to the rich lobster and oysters.

For a fresh twist, a cucumber dill salad and garlic spinach are perfect palate cleansers in between bites.

More ideas

• Fried shrimp and crusty French baguette
• Lobster tails
• Oyster shooters
• Steamed oysters with ginger and shallots
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce
• Oyster crackers

Frequently asked questions