Grilled Oysters

February is here and Valentine's Day calls for something special, something that speaks of love and indulgence. What better way to celebrate than with a romantic indulging in freshly caught oysters grilled to perfection? In this Natural Grilling blog, we'll take you through the entire process, from selecting the finest oysters at a local market to serving them alongside a delightful wine and freshly baked bread.

Step 1: Selecting Fresh Oysters at the Local Market.

There's nothing quite like the experience of hand-picking fresh oysters from the local market, especially along the picturesque coastline of El Salvador. I went to a reputable seafood market where you can find a variety of oysters, so I could ensure that they were fresh and of high quality and bought a dozen extra large oysters.

Step 2: Opening the Oysters.

Opening oysters can be a daunting task, but with a little practice and the right technique, it can be mastered. Here's how I did it:

• I placed the oyster flat-side up on a sturdy surface, using a towel or a protective glove to hold it in place.
• I insert an oyster knife or a sharp, thin-bladed knife into the hinge of the oyster, applying gentle pressure and wiggling the knife until you feel the hinge release.
• Once the hinge is released, I slided the knife along the top shell to separate it from the bottom shell, being careful not to spill the oyster's juices.
• I then carefully removed the top shell, taking care not to damage the oyster meat.

Some Oysters are extremely difficult to open, and without proper technique it can be dangerous, so if you feel you can’t open them, you can either ask someone at the market for them to open them or you can try and freeze them for 2 hours and they should become easier to open. 

Step 3: Preparing the Butter Herb Mix.

To enhance the flavor of the grilled oysters, I prepared a delicious butter herb mix. Here's the recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• ¼ Cup of white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, I combined the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, wine, salt, and pepper. I  mixed well until all the ingredients were evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assembling and Grilling the Oysters.

Now that the oysters are opened and the butter herb mix is ready, it was time to assemble and grill them to perfection. I lit my grill fueled with FOGO Premium Lump Charcoal. Then I placed the opened oysters on the Blue Carbon Steel Rectangular Baking Sheet with some aluminum foil beneath so they can hold still and I can ensure they sit level to prevent the butter from spilling. I then spoon a generous amount of the butter herb mix onto each oyster, allowing it to seep into the crevices of the shell. I then put the oysters directly into the grill. I then let the oysters cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges begin to curl and the butter is bubbling. I then carefully removed the grilled oysters from the grill using Outset Rosewood Tongs Extra Long 22" and transferred them to a serving platter.

Step 5: Serving with Wine and Bread

To complete this romantic appetizer, I served the grilled oysters alongside a chilled bottle of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the briny flavor of the oysters. I pair them with freshly baked bread, sliced and lightly toasted, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt for a delightful accompaniment.

Grilled oysters make for a perfect appetizer to kick off a romantic Valentine's Day. It was a true adventure for me: From selecting the freshest oysters at the local market to mastering the art of opening them and grilling them to perfection, this Journey ensured a memorable culinary experience for the occasion. So grab some oysters, fire up the grill, and prepare to indulge in a romantic evening filled with love, flavor, and seafood. Cheers to love and delicious food!