Four Unique Oyster Dishes To Add To Your Oyster Bar
Posted on: 1 September 2015
An oyster bar with high-quality, fresh oysters can attract a lot of customers to your restaurant. However, if you really want to please your customers, you should consider offering more than the traditional raw and steamed oysters. Here are four unique oyster dishes that will bring your oyster bar up to the next level. Each recipe calls for about 50 oysters, which should fill a full sheet pan nicely.
Stuffed Crab and Cheese Oysters
Ingredients:
- Approximately 50 raw oysters, opened with the top shells discarded
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked, lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
In a saute pan, melt the butter. Add the garlic, and saute for 1 minute or just until the garlic begins to brown. Lay your oysters out on a full-size baking sheet. Brush each one with the garlic butter, and then divide the crab meat between the oyster shells. Top each one with some of the cheddar cheese.
Place the pan under the broiler, and broil for approximately 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Italian Oysters
Fans of Italian food will love these oysters, which combine the classic flavors of garlic, red sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 50 oysters, opened with the top shells discarded.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups red sauce of your choice
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mix together the garlic and red sauce. Lay your oysters out on a sheet pan, and top each one with a small spoonful of the sauce. Top each oyster with a little Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes, and serve.
Greek Oysters
Feta cheese may not seem like the most likely ingredient to pair with oysters, but once you give this combination a try, you'll be persuaded to make Greek oysters a feature at your oyster bar.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 50 oysters, opened with the top shells discarded.
- 1/2 cup Greek salad dressing
- 1 1/2 cups feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sliced black olives
- 2 - 3 fresh lemons
Lay the oysters out on a baking sheet, and drizzle them lightly with the Greek dressing, ensuring that each oyster gets a touch of the dressing. Top each oyster with a pinch of feta cheese and a few olive slices. Place the baking sheet in a 375 F oven, and bake for 7 - 8 minutes. Immediately upon removing the pan from the oven, squeeze the fresh lemons over the oysters. Serve with additional lemon slices.
Orange and Onion Oysters
Customers who prefer sweet dishes will fall in love with these oysters. This recipe takes a bit longer to prepare than the others, so make sure you plan ahead.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 50 oysters, opened with the top shells discarded.
- 4 medium onions
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Heat the olive oil in a saute pan. Add the onions, salt and orange zest, and turn the heat down to low. Saute the onions until caramelized.
Lay the oysters out on a baking sheet, and place a small spoonful of the onion mixture inside each one. Bake at 375 F for 8 minutes. Upon removing the oysters from the oven, immediately drizzle them with the orange juice prior to serving.
Of course, with any of these recipes, it's essential to use the freshest oysters you can find. Don't use any oysters with shell damage, or those with meat that has a withered or grayish appearance. Healthy oysters smell fresh and mild and will ensure the oyster dishes above taste divine.
For more inspiration on what recipes to try at your oyster bar, check out a restaurant with an oyster bar, such as Flora-Bama. Just make sure you take your own original spin on their creations.
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