FIRE-ROASTED OYSTERS

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 6 Servings

Comment:
Oysters in the shell can be cooked successfully on the grill. Heat from the grill steams the oysters and pops the shell open, while poaching the meat inside. Try serving this dish as an appetizer prior to grilling steaks or ribs.

Ingredients:
3 dozen oysters, in shells
2 cups rock salt
½ pound salted butter
2 tbsps minced garlic
2 tbsps minced shallots
2 tbsps chopped parsley
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried tarragon
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
juice of 1 lemon
salt and black pepper to taste

Method:
Wash oysters under clean, running water to remove any sand or mud. Place oysters in a bucket and cover by 1 inch with clear water. Add rock salt and allow oysters to sit 1 hour. Make a sauce by melting butter over medium-high heat. Add all remaining ingredients. Remove from heat and set aside to allow flavor to develop. Heat grill according to manufacturer’s directions. Place prepared sauce on edge of grill to keep warm. Do not boil. Place oysters on grill 8–10 at a time and close lid. In 2–3 minutes, oysters should begin to pop open. Using a grill glove, remove oysters and open outer shell with an oyster knife. Top with ¼ teaspoon sauce and serve hot. NOTE: For a patio party, have 6 oyster knives along with 6 heavy-duty gloves or kitchen towels. This will allow guests to hold hot oysters as they are removed from grill. Oysters should be eaten directly from shell while steaming hot.