Oysters are those shells that refer to various groups of bivalve mollusks. There are different types of oysters. For one, there are those that are highly prized and can be eaten either raw or cooked. There are also those that are called the pearl oysters which have pearls in them but those are rarely eaten. Let’s talk about the oysters that are eaten and learn how to cook oysters through a couple of recipes below. But before that, do you know that oysters were used by the ancient Greeks as an incentive to drink? At the same time, the Romans deemed it to be luxury food. They even fatten the oysters by feeding pastries and wine to the oysters placed in salt water pools. On both coasts of North America, oysters come close to becoming a staple. Now, let’s learn how to cook oysters with a couple of dishes and instructions on how to do it.
Raw oysters
- Oysters in Casserole – You’ll only need loaf bread, butter, oysters, and seasoning. First, toast small slices of your loaf bread. Spread butter on one side thickly. Then, grab a casserole and put the toast there with the butter side down. Next, cover the toast with the oysters. Then dot the top with butter. Season to taste. Cover your dish and bake for a couple of minutes until the edge of your oysters curl. Make sure to preheat the oven before you place your casserole. This is best served with lemon quarters.
- Oyster Cocktail – another delicious appetizer that you can easily prepare but still wow your guests would be this dish. Again, oysters are best served uncooked and this dish doesn’t need any. Just make sure to mix thoroughly the following ingredients in a glass like a cocktail glass: two teaspoons of lemon juice, one half teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, two teaspoons of tomato ketchup, two drops of Tabasco sauce, a dash of paprika and salt. Mix them well and then drop in about five to six small fresh oysters. Let it stand for about five minutes. Make sure to serve them very cold. It’s best to place them on an iced tray or serving dish.
- Oysters a la Madrid – this oyster dish is perfect to serve for those who don’t like the thought of eating raw foods. How to cook Oysters ala Madrid? It’s simple. Prepare mini baking dishes like ramekins and butter each one of them. Drain your oysters and layer them at the bottom of each dish. Season with salt and pepper. Then, dot the middle with butter. Sprinkle the top with chopped pimientos and then cover the whole thing with crumbs. Repeat the layers until you filled up the baking dish, making sure the crumbs are last dotted with butter. You can sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top if you prefer. Bake quickly in the oven until the butter and cheese melts and the crumbs are golden brown. Enjoy!