Bring in the New Years with Grilled Oysters

With the New Year just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate than hosting a festive gathering with loved ones. Picture this: party hats, sparkling champagne, and succulent grilled oysters. Yes, oysters are a delectable treat that elevate any occasion, especially when it’s something special like ringing in the new year. Make an impression on your family and friends with this simple yet impressive grilled oyster recipe. All you need is your favorite seasoned butter—whether it’s white wine butter, Parmesan butter, or garlic herb butter—and a reliable grill like the PGS Commercial grill, which offers all the features you need to grill like a pro.

If you're familiar with oyster preparation, you know that shucking—opening the hard shell to access the meat—is a time-consuming task. For those who aren’t quite sure how to do it, don’t worry! Grilling eliminates the need for shucking entirely. Our foolproof recipe ensures your oysters pop open effortlessly in just about two minutes on the grill. The oysters cook in their own briny juices, retaining all the flavors naturally. Adding seasoned butter takes this dish to the next level, enhancing the taste and texture. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare these oysters for a memorable New Year’s Eve feast.

Choosing the Right Oysters for Grilling

When it comes to grilling oysters, size matters. Larger oysters are generally better suited for this cooking method due to their thicker shells and juicier meat. Oysters come in various types depending on where they're harvested. Atlantic oysters, such as Blue Points and Wellfleet, boast a larger shell and a brinier flavor. On the other hand, Pacific oysters like Hama Hamas and Blue Pools are smaller and tend to have a sweeter taste.

Preparing Oysters for Grilling

Buy Fresh on the Day: Always purchase your oysters on the same day you plan to serve them. Freshness is key; the oysters should smell clean, not fishy. If they do, discard them immediately. Rinse each oyster thoroughly under cold water using a stiff brush to remove dirt, mud, and debris.

Store Properly: Keep your oysters chilled by placing them on ice in the fridge. Cover them with a damp tea towel rather than plastic wrap or an airtight container to ensure proper airflow.

Set Up Your Platter: Prepare a serving platter by spreading small beans, rice, or kosher salt evenly across the surface. This will provide a stable base for the oysters’ uneven shells.

Preheat Your Grill: Turn on your PGS grill to medium-high heat for optimal heat distribution.

Position Oysters Correctly: Place a layer of kosher salt on a cookie sheet or sheet pan. Arrange the oysters with their flat side facing up and their belly side down. Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil by crumpling it to create small depressions for the oysters. This keeps them steady during cooking and prevents juices from escaping.

Cooking Oysters on the Grill: Once the grill reaches temperature, use tongs to place the oysters directly onto the grates. Close the lid and let them cook for about three minutes. They’ll begin to open slightly when they’re ready. Use your tongs to transfer them to the sheet pan.

Opening the Oysters Safely: Allow the oysters to cool enough to handle before attempting to open them. Insert an oyster knife into the gap between the shells and twist gently until it opens. Be careful not to spill the oyster liquor—the flavorful liquid inside. Remove the meat from the shell and discard any unopened oysters, as they may not be safe to eat.

Add Seasoned Butter: Top each oyster with seasoned butter and return them to the grill for a couple more minutes until the butter melts and becomes bubbly, blending beautifully with the oyster liquor.

Serve Hot and Enjoy: Transfer the fully cooked oysters to your prepared platter and serve them immediately while still piping hot.

Seasoned Butter Recipes for Grilled Oysters

The secret to making your grilled oysters unforgettable lies in the seasoned butter. While plain melted butter is always a crowd-pleaser, adding aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus notes takes your taste buds on an exciting journey. Simply mix all ingredients together until smooth, roll the butter into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. Slice the butter into coins to place on top of the oysters. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and seasonings to create unique recipes tailored to your preferences. Developing your own seasoned butter could even become one of your New Year’s resolutions!

Garlic and Herb Butter

This quick and easy recipe packs a spicy kick with cayenne and black pepper.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter

• 1 clove minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions: Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth.

Basil and Parmesan Garlic Butter

This rich and creamy butter recipe offers a delightful citrus twist.

Ingredients

• 1 stick softened unsalted butter

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (sprinkle on after grilling)

Instructions: Mix all ingredients except Parmesan until smooth. Sprinkle Parmesan over the oysters once they’ve been removed from the grill.

White Wine Butter

This luxurious butter highlights the delicate flavors of white wine, complementing grilled oysters beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 stick softened unsalted butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dry white wine

• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions: Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Perfect Sides to Accompany Grilled Oysters

Grilled oysters are fantastic paired with a hearty slice of crusty bread. Save some seasoned butter to spread generously on the bread or encourage guests to use it to soak up every last drop of oyster juice. Other great accompaniments include roasted potato wedges, a crisp green salad, pasta salad, or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, which add pops of color to your table setting.

PGS Grill Legacy T-Series: Ideal for Multifamily Gatherings

The Legacy T-Series stands out as the top choice for multifamily communities, designed to withstand daily use. Developed specifically for condos, apartments, pool areas, and shared spaces, this robust grill features a one-hour gas flow timer, a lift-assist handle, and easy accessibility. Whether you're cooking for a small group or hosting a grand New Year’s Eve bash, the Legacy T-Series ensures flawless results every time. Investing in premium equipment means more time spent enjoying your gatherings and less time worrying about the cooking. Cheers to a new year—and a new grill!

No matter if you're cooking for family and close friends or throwing a large New Year’s Eve celebration, trust the PGS Grill Legacy T-Series to deliver exceptional results. Here’s to a brand-new year and a brand-new grill!