Indulge in a luxurious seafood treat with Oysters with BBQ Butter, perfect for serving 4-6 guests. This recipe features fresh oysters on the half shell, topped with a delectable blend of softened butter, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, fresh parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Grilled to perfection, the oysters become tender with a smoky, buttery finish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a zesty touch. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Chablis or dry Riesling, or enjoy with sparkling water and lemon for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
Quantity:
- Serves 4-6 (24 oysters)
Preparation Items:
- 24 fresh oysters, on the half shell
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Preparation Method:
- Prepare BBQ Butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, chopped parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
- Top Oysters: Place each oyster on the half shell on a baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the BBQ butter mixture onto each oyster.
- Grilling: Carefully place the oysters on the grill. Cover and grill for about 4-5 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters start to curl and the butter is bubbling.
- Serving: Carefully remove the oysters from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Preparation Time:
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Passive time: 10 minutes
Drink Pairing:
- A crisp and chilled white wine, such as Chablis or a dry Riesling, pairs beautifully with the rich and smoky flavors of the BBQ butter oysters. These wines complement the brininess of the oysters while cutting through the richness of the butter. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon can provide a refreshing balance.