Savory Grilled Oysters with Bacon-Dijon Herb Butter
Embrace the flavors of summer with these decadent grilled oysters, each topped with a rich and savory butter made from hickory-smoked bacon, zesty Dijon mustard, and fresh green herbs. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of soft-shell clams, balanced beautifully by the umami of the bacon and the brightness of lemon juice and wine. Perfect as an elegant appetizer at your next barbecue or as a luxurious treat on a quiet evening, this dish will surely impress your guests. Plus, any leftover butter can be frozen for up to a month to elevate future meals like garlic bread or grilled steak. Visit http://www.twistedfoods.com/ for more delicious recipes and inspirations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hickory-smoked or apple wood-smoked bacon
3 slices (cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips)
Twisted Butter Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter
1 cup (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
Fresh Italian parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
Dry white wine
2 1/2 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Rock salt
as needed (for serving)
Shucked soft-shell clams
24 (on the half shell)
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they are crisp and golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a food processor, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2
To the bacon in the food processor, add the Twisted Butter Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter, peeled garlic cloves, chopped Italian parsley, chopped cilantro, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and coarse kosher salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3
With the processor running, gradually pour in the dry white wine and then the fresh lemon juice, continuing to blend until everything is fully incorporated.
4
On a large sheet of waxed paper, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the butter mixture to form a log. Use the paper to shape the butter into a 2-inch-diameter log, then wrap it tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5
Prepare your barbecue by setting it to medium-high heat. Spread a generous layer of rock salt over a large rimmed baking sheet and place it on the grill rack. Heat for about 20 minutes until hot.
6
Once the butter has firmed up, cut the log into 1/8- to 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
7
Carefully transfer the hot baking sheet from the grill to a heatproof surface. Nestle the oysters into the heated rock salt, placing one slice of the cayenne butter on top of each oyster.
8
Return the baking sheet with the oysters to the grill, close the lid, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the butter melts and begins to brown.
9
To serve, spoon an additional layer of rock salt onto each of 6 plates. Arrange 4 grilled oysters on the rock salt in the center of each plate and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Grilled Oysters with Bacon-Dijon Herb Butter.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
You should use 3 slices of hickory-smoked or apple wood-smoked bacon.
What specific butter is used for the herb mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Twisted Butter Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter.
How long should the butter log be chilled?
The butter log should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The barbecue should be set to medium-high heat.
How long do the oysters need to cook on the grill?
They should cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the butter melts and begins to brown.
Why is rock salt used in this recipe?
Rock salt is used to nestle the oysters during grilling to keep them stable and for presentation during serving.
Can I freeze the leftover herb butter?
Yes, any leftover butter can be frozen for up to a month.
What are some other uses for the bacon-dijon butter?
It can be used to elevate future meals like garlic bread or grilled steak.
What kind of wine is added to the butter mixture?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of dry white wine.
How many oysters or clams does this recipe require?
The recipe requires 24 shucked soft-shell clams on the half shell (referred to as oysters in the title).
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 peeled garlic cloves.
What fresh herbs are included in the butter?
The butter includes fresh Italian parsley and fresh cilantro.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
How thick should the butter rounds be sliced?
The butter log should be cut into 1/8- to 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
How long should the rock salt preheat on the grill?
The rock salt on the baking sheet should heat for about 20 minutes until hot.
How many oysters are served per plate?
Arrange 4 grilled oysters on the rock salt in the center of each plate.
What is the recommended prep for the bacon?
The bacon should be cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips and cooked until crisp.
Should the grill lid be open or closed while cooking?
You should close the lid while the oysters are cooking on the grill.
What kind of salt is used in the butter mixture itself?
1/2 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt is used.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
How do you shape the herb butter?
Use a large sheet of waxed paper to form the butter into a 2-inch-diameter log.
What is the texture of the butter mixture after processing?
The mixture should be blended until it is smooth.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Where can I find more recipes from this source?
You can visit http://www.twistedfoods.com/ for more inspirations.
How do I prepare the garlic for the food processor?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the processor.
When should I add the wine and lemon juice to the butter?
Gradually pour them in while the food processor is running.
Can I use apple wood-smoked bacon?
Yes, either hickory-smoked or apple wood-smoked bacon works well.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What makes this recipe 'savory'?
The combination of bacon, Dijon mustard, and herbs creates a rich umami profile.