Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick with Crispy Bacon
Experience the quintessential taste of Australia with Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick, a delightful dish that showcases the freshness of ocean-caught oysters. Topped with crispy bacon and a savory Worcestershire butter sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for special occasions or an indulgent dinner party. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or a curious novice, these oysters promise a burst of flavor in every bite. The richness from the bacon complements the briny, fresh oysters, elevated by a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of brightness. This recipe is inspired by traditional Australian culinary roots, ensuring that every oyster is grilled to perfection for a crispy and delicious topping. Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon for that added zing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh oysters
24 (in their shells)
rock salt
as needed (for the base)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
butter
30 g (unsalted)
bacon
4 slices (rind and all fat removed, finely diced)
sea salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to its highest setting to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
2
Prepare a large, shallow, ovenproof dish by spreading a thick layer of rock salt across the bottom. This provides stability for the oysters and helps retain heat during grilling.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the Worcestershire sauce and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the mixture starts to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
4
Gently place the fresh oysters, with their shells intact, on the bed of rock salt in the dish. This helps keep the oysters level and prevents them from spilling.
5
Using a spoon, drizzle a small amount of the Worcestershire and butter mixture over each oyster. Be sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor.
6
Sprinkle finely diced bacon over the oysters, distributing it evenly. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7
Carefully place the dish under the preheated grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8
Once cooked, remove the dish from the grill. Sprinkle the oysters with freshly chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish.
9
Serve immediately with wedges of fresh lemon on the side for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick?
Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick is a classic Australian seafood dish featuring fresh oysters topped with bacon and a savory Worcestershire butter sauce.
Why is rock salt used in this recipe?
Rock salt provides a stable base for the oysters to prevent them from tipping and spilling their juices, while also helping to retain heat during grilling.
How should the grill be set for cooking the oysters?
The grill should be preheated to its highest setting to ensure the oysters cook quickly and the bacon becomes crispy.
What ingredients make up the Kilpatrick sauce?
The sauce is a simple but flavorful mixture of melted unsalted butter and Worcestershire sauce.
How long do the oysters need to be grilled?
The oysters should be grilled for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon rind and all fat should be removed, and the remaining meat should be finely diced before being sprinkled over the oysters.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the oysters?
No, the finely diced bacon is added raw to the oysters and cooks under the preheated grill until crispy.
How many oysters does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 24 fresh oysters, making it suitable for a large appetizer or party platter.
What is the best way to serve Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick?
They should be served immediately while hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing.
What type of parsley is recommended for garnish?
Freshly chopped flat leaf parsley is used to add a touch of brightness and color to the dish.
Can I use salted butter for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 30g of unsalted butter; if using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of extra sea salt added later.
How do you prepare the Worcestershire and butter mixture?
Combine them in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble at the edges.
What type of dish should be used for grilling?
A large, shallow, ovenproof dish is required to hold the rock salt and the oysters safely under the grill.
Should the oysters be shucked?
Yes, the oysters should be fresh and in their shells to hold the sauce and bacon toppings during the grilling process.
How do I ensure the oysters are level?
Pressing the oyster shells gently into a thick layer of rock salt helps keep them level and prevents the sauce from spilling.
What seasonings are added to the oysters?
The oysters are seasoned with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before they go under the grill.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed for 24 oysters?
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is used to create the savory butter mixture.
Is this dish suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, Oysters Kilpatrick are excellent for barbecues and outdoor gatherings, often categorized as a party food.
What does lemon add to the recipe?
Fresh lemon juice provides a citrus zing that cuts through the richness of the bacon and butter, balancing the briny flavor of the oysters.
What is the culinary origin of this dish?
This recipe is inspired by traditional Australian culinary roots, where Grilled Oysters Kilpatrick is a quintessential seafood staple.
Can I prepare the oysters in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the salt bed and dice the bacon ahead of time to speed up the final assembly.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
Keep a close eye on the dish while it is under the high-heat grill, as the bacon can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.
What should I look for to determine if the oysters are done?
The dish is ready when the bacon bits are visibly golden brown and have a crispy texture.
Can I substitute the rock salt?
If rock salt is unavailable, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to stabilize the oysters, though it won't retain heat as well as salt.
Is the rock salt edible?
No, the rock salt is used strictly as a cooking and presentation base and should not be eaten.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of bacon with the rind and fat removed.
What type of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Should the sauce be cooled before drizzling?
The sauce should be removed from the heat to cool slightly before being spooned over the oysters.
How much parsley is needed?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of chopped flat leaf parsley for the entire batch.
What makes this dish a crowd-pleaser?
The combination of fresh, briny seafood, salty crispy bacon, and a rich savory sauce makes it an irresistible appetizer for many.