This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Learn more... Oysters in the early 19th century were widely consumed by mostly working class individuals. References.

To reduce the risk of contamination, eat oysters that are thoroughly cooked. Work the blade around to the hinge. From New England scalloped oysters cooked in cream and butter to New Orleans gumbo to perloo, a South Carolina oyster stew similar to pilaf, oyster stews span the United States and beyond. I have a jar of oysters out of the shell that we need to use relatively quickly. Before you serve your oysters, be sure to clean the shells, especially if they’re going to be served with the shell. To cook oysters by steaming them, clean the outside of the shells and discard any oysters with open or cracked shells. This bacterium can cause illness, and can be life threatening to high-risk individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems.

Fill the stock pot two-thirds full with water and bring to a rolling boil. Throw away any oysters that haven't opened 1/4" to 1/2" after 10 minutes. Some oysters are treated for safety after they are harvested. Look for bubbling of the oyster brine inside that small separation. Remove the top shell. Poach shucked oysters in fish stock, or a mixture of water and lemon juice or wine. If you are using oysters still in the shell, shuck them by wrapping each one in a towel and holding it with the flat side down on a cutting board while you wedge a shucking knife into the shell. You can cut the oysters if you find it too large. Whichever way you cook oysters, you’ll know they’re done when they start to open their shells.

How do you shuck oysters? In fact, canned oyster stew, developed by a Washington state manufacturer, is sold worldwide. Toss in some boiled and cubed potatoes, and some bacon crumbs if you like. You'll need a blunt 3" knife for shucking. See this recipe: Oyster Stew with Garlic Toasts. Oysters range from 1 1/2 inches long up to foot-long varieties, but all of them cook quickly because, unlike meat, oysters contain lots of water and minimal muscle.

Either way, make sure to try her garlic butter laden with ground sumac and flat-leaf parsley. Either way, make sure to try her garlic butter laden with ground sumac and flat-leaf parsley. Use another hand towel to hold the oyster steady as you prepare to open it. If you want to learn how to store your fresh oysters, keep reading the article! Lundman received her M.A. Now you have a oyster on the half shell ready for serving on ice. It’s not uncommon for the knife to slip while you’re applying pressure to open a shell, so wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands. Restaurants often serve fried oysters with French fries, onion rings or sweet potato fries. If that isn’t possible, or you want to store the oysters unshucked, then do it yourself. I live in Louisiana, I eat raw oysters every month that ends in 'r,' and if someone served me oysters … 3. Smell the oyster meat. Dip the oysters, one at a time, in the panko crumbs, making sure to coat the entire oyster evenly. Another popular option is to fold fried oysters into omelets, along with scallions, fresh herbs and bacon. Serve any oyster stew over rice for a more substantial meal. Pour the thawed oysters into the boiling water and boil for at least three minutes.

… When choosing oysters to cook in a stew, pick either fresh oysters in their shells or in jars in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Read on to learn how to fry oysters! http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/, http://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/oysters.html, http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/06/30/how-to-clean-and-shuck-oysters/, http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/13/oysters-part-3-sauces-and-garnishes/, http://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/how-to-cook-oysters.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Broil on a baking sheet for four minutes until the breadcrumbs toast and turn brown. Washing your oysters hours before you plan on steaming them may kill them: Chemicals such as chlorine and poisons such as lead may leave your oysters tasting less fresh than they might otherwise be. The Picture Pantry / Getty Images, Credit: At this point, most of the oysters should have opened.

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. To make them fit for consumption, this dirt must be scrubbed from the outside of the shell. Whole oysters should be checked for opening of the shell.

Step 2

Make an oyster stew with oysters, milk, and chives, onions, or leeks. This article has been viewed 650,945 times. Either way, make sure to try her garlic butter laden with ground sumac and flat-leaf parsley.

Raw oysters on the half shell are a briny delicacy, but not to everyone’s taste. Close the lid to the deep fryer if oil is popping, and reduce heat to avoid potential burns. Place on a metal tray or colander inside of the larger pot, then bring the steaming liquid to a boil and cover the pot with a lid. Within a few seconds, you can tell if jarred oysters are good. The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Add precooked shucked oysters to an omelet. Oysters are done when their shells open. They are pretty fresh - it's a pint jar full of oysters in liquid. 4.

Throw out any oysters that are open and don't close tightly when you tap on the shell, because they are not fresh and may harbor bacteria. Read on for important information on prolonging the shelf life of live oysters in the shell.

Only use an oyster knife to open the shell. Cover the oysters with a damp towel or layers of damp newspaper. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. They have eyes all over their bodies to help them see and escape from predators. Heat the broiler, then mix melted butter, toasted breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chopped herbs (chervil, parsley, and tarragon) and distribute evenly over oysters on the half shell. Stir shucked oysters into a risotto during the last few minutes of cooking. Place the oysters in a bowl and set aside. Advertising Policy You'll initially notice a line beginning to separate in the shell. Select a large oyster (easier) and look for any possible opening to insert your knife blade in and turn to break open the hinge. from Stanford University. For how long do I boil oysters that are not in the shell? This article has been viewed 31,109 times.