
Oysters are a delicacy enjoyed by many. But not everyone knows how to properly prepare them. In this blog post, we will teach you how to shuck and serve the perfect oysters.
We will also discuss the different ways to eat oysters — raw or cooked. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced oyster lover, this blog post has something for you. Now get oysters delivered today!
What exactly are oysters?
Oysters are seafood that usually live in saltwater. They are bivalves, which means they have two shells connected by a hinge. Oysters can vary in size and shape depending on the type of oyster you buy.
When buying oysters, look for ones with tightly closed shells. This indicates that the oyster is still alive. You should also smell the oyster before buying — it should smell like seawater or mud, not like rotten fish or ammonia.
Cleaning the oysters
Before shucking your oysters, you need to clean them first. Using a brush and cold water, scrub each shell to remove any dirt and debris. Then, rinse them well with cold water until they look shiny and clean.
Now comes the fun part: shucking the oysters. It’s important to use an oyster knife for this step as other types of knives can cause serious injury. Start by holding the oyster flat on a kitchen towel, with the hinge side facing towards you. Put your thumb in the notch and apply pressure until you hear a crack.
Once opened, remove any dirt or debris from inside the shell, then cut away the top muscle connecting it to the bottom half of the shell. Be careful not to spill any liquid that is inside — this is what gives oysters their flavour!
Cooking and serving oysters
Raw oysters are a popular choice among seafood lovers. If you want to enjoy them raw, simply serve them with a bit of lemon juice, horseradish and Tabasco sauce.
You can also cook oysters in different ways, such as grilling, steaming or roasting. When cooking oysters, be sure not to overcook them — they should still remain moist and juicy. Serve the cooked oysters with melted butter and herbs or with your own unique sauces.
Should you eat them raw or cooked?
Ultimately, the choice of whether to eat oysters raw or cooked is up to you. Eating them raw will give you that briny taste of the sea. Cooking them can give you a more tender texture and richer flavours. Either way, they are delicious!
Tips for storing and serving oysters
- Store your oysters in the refrigerator until ready to use. Their shelf life depends on when they were harvested but generally should last between 4-10 days.
- Serve oysters at room temperature. If serving cold, place them on a bed of crushed ice.
- Discard any opened oyster shells right away. These are no longer safe to consume as bacteria might have grown inside while the oysters were in the fridge.
Learning how to shuck and serve oysters can be a fun experience. Hopefully, this blog post has given you some insight into properly preparing these delicious delicacies for your next dinner party. If you want to get oysters delivered today, reach out to a delivery service provider like Manettas. Bon appétit!
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