How to Steam Oysters
Sweet, juicy, and briny steamed oysters are one of the easiest delicacies of the sea to prepare. They also cook fast, which makes them perfect for get-togethers with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh oysters unshucked
Instructions
Set up your steamer station.
- Add enough water to the steamer so it is below where the oysters will rest. You don't want the oysters submerged.
Clean the Oysters
- Rinse the oysters under running cold water. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove any stubborn bits.
Steam the Oysters
- Place the oysters onto the steamer's rack in an even layer.
- Cover with a lid and steam them until the top shell just begins to open.
Serve
- Carefully remove the oysters from the steamer using a long pair of tongs. Try to keep the horizontal so that you don't lose any of the juices.
- Place the oysters onto a serving platter.
- A shucking knife may be needed to pry open the shells. A cocktail fork may be helpful for removing the oysters and dipping them into sauces.
NOTES
- Clean them before cooking. Rinse under cold running water and scrub off any mud or grit so it does not end up inside the shell.
- Keep the oysters above water. Add enough water to the steamer so it sits below the rack or basket. If the oysters are submerged, the ones on the bottom will boil instead of steaming.
- Steam in an even layer. Arrange the oysters in a single, even layer when possible, so they cook more evenly and are easier to monitor.
- Pull them when they open. Most oysters take about 7 to 10 minutes, but go by the shell more than the clock. Remove them as soon as the top shell just starts to open so they stay juicy and do not overcook.
- Keep them level serving. Lift them out with tongs and hold them as flat as you can so the oyster liquor stays in the shell. Use a shucking knife only if needed to finish opening stubborn ones.
Nutrition
Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 13mg | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Nutrition is per serving.
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