Although they were once considered a common food, today, oysters are a high-end delicacy. At Billy’s Seafood in Bon Secour, AL, they sell several varieties of oysters, both in the shell and already shucked, which can be cooked in several different ways.

If you are new to oysters, you should remember to wait and clean them shortly before you plan on eating to avoid killing them. Cleaning will involve scrubbing all the dirt from the oysters’ shells with a scrub brush while holding them under cold, running water.

After they are clean, there are a few different ways this fresh seafood market suggests you try cooking them:

• Steamed: Pour two inches of water and half a glass of beer or one glass of wine into a pot and set it on a medium burner. Arrange your oysters in a steamer tray or colander, and place it in the pot. Once the liquid comes to a boil, cover the pot with a lid and turn the burner up to medium-high. For medium oysters, let them steam for five minutes; for well-done oysters, steam them for ten. After ten minutes have passed, discard any oysters that did not open.
• Roasted: After cleaning, let your oysters sit under water for a few minutes before removing and draining them. During this time, you can start preparing your grill and setting it on medium-high. Once the oysters are drained of water, you’ll need to decide whether you want to cook them on the whole shell or half. If you want them seasoned beforehand, shucking is the best way to go, but if you’d prefer to leave them unseasoned until right before eating, you’re better off leaving them in their shell. Next, lay your whole or half-shell oysters on the flat side of the grill and close the lid for five to six minutes. Then remove and serve with butter, lemon, or just as they are.
• Fried: Start by setting a deep fryer to 375° F. While it is warming up, shuck your oysters. You’ll then require two bowls: one for a dry mixture of flour, salt, and pepper and the other for beating two eggs together. Dredge the shucked oysters in the egg and coat them evenly in the dry mixture. Remove any excess flour before adding up to six in the fryer at one time for two minutes or until they are golden brown.

Next time you are in the mood for fresh oysters or seafood of any kind, stop by Billy’s Seafood or have it delivered straight to your door. To check out their current price list and place an order, call (251) 949-6288. You can also visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about the food they carry.