National Oyster Day

Happy National Oyster Day!

If eating is the best way to celebrate a national food day, then look no further that the annual Low Country Oyster Festival outside Charleston. In late January,  65,000 lb. of these delicious bivalves have been consumed by sea food lovers from all over the Charleston area and beyond! With live music, beer, and plenty of oysters? Having a late January outdoor food festival is never questioned!

Unfortunately, it isn’t January. Looks like I will have to find a different way to celebrate this shellfish’s special day. I think I will take a note from what I saw while tailgating in Jacksonville last fall.

You can eat Oysters raw, but I prefer mine cooked. Throwing a few dozen on the grill is the perfect way to celebrate National Oyster Day! Here is how you can celebrate.

 

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Grilled Oysters

Ingredients
Live oysters with cleaned outer shells (if the shells aren’t firmly shut, chances are they aren’t alive)

Toppings
Cocktail sauce
Hot sauce
Fresh Lemon wedges
Saltine crackers

Over a hot grill, place oysters a few inches apart on top of grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes. The heat from the grill will create steam inside the oyster and poach the oyster within. When done, the oyster shell will crack open.

Using tongs or grilling gloves, remove oysters from grill. Crack open with oyster knife and cut interior tendons. Serve in shell with fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, cocktail sauce and crackers.

 

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When shucking your oysters, remember to wear protection. A work glove or towel is a must to keep a firm grip on the shell. The worst way to celebrate National Oyster Day would be in the ER with a shucked palm. Have a great weekend!