Oysters are available year-round, but the fall and winter months—not just the well-known -ber months—are when they taste best. Take advantage of the abundance that the fishmonger will provide and throw an oyster party for your loved ones. Along with the classics like hot sauce and lemon wedges, we’ve got some creative mignonette recipes and other oyster-based dishes.
1. Oysters Rockfeller
If fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon juice are a classic, so are oysters Rockfeller. These oysters, which are served hot, are garnished with a Hollandaise sauce and wilted spinach as well as breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and then browned in the oven. A gourmet must-try.
2. Oysters with Pomegranate and Pink Pepper Mignonette
You’ll love this mignonette, which is both sweet and tangy (thanks to maple syrup and cider vinegar, respectively), and then mixed with crunchy diced vegetables such as radishes and celery. Garnish the oysters and drizzle with your favourite hot sauce.
3. Oysters with Maple-Vegetable Mignonette
You’ll love this mignonette, which is both sweet and tangy (thanks to maple syrup and cider vinegar, respectively), and then mixed with crunchy diced vegetables such as radishes and celery. Garnish the oysters and drizzle with your favourite hot sauce.
4. Chorizo Oysters au Gratin
If you’re looking for a hot oyster dish to switch things up from the usual Rockfeller, try this chorizo version that’s reminiscent of Spanish tapas. Grated tomato and diced sausage cubes top the oysters, and then a generous serving of strong cheddar gratin. Absolutely flavourful!
5. Herb Granita for Oysters
Here, you’ll be straying quite a bit from the traditional mignonette! Try a granita made of parsley, basil, vodka and lemon juice, which is then placed on the oyster. Note that you’ll need to freeze the granita for a good six hours before serving.
6. Fried Oysters
Fried oysters along with beer will be all the rage. Prepare a batter and dip each of the oysters before they move on to the fryer. If you want to simplify the task, know that you can find fresh, pre-shucked oysters at your local fishmonger.
7. Oyster Corn Fritters
A little more elaborate than fried oysters, these fritters are even richer in flavour. The batter is spiced with paprika and cayenne pepper, and then enhanced with Parmesan. Serve the fritters with delicious honey-lime sour cream.
