Whether you want to entertain guests or add variety and fun to your dinner routine, seafood is an excellent option to choose. While you might feel comfortable cooking shrimp, the idea of serving oysters can be intimidating. However, preparing oysters is much easier than you might imagine. Here are some tips to help you have a successful dinner.

How Can You Enjoy Raw Oysters at Home?

1. Eating Fresh

The sooner you can serve the oysters, the better they will taste. You can keep them in a refrigerator temporarily, but you shouldn’t wait longer than two days before eating. This is because the oysters will begin to spoil, which makes them inedible. Cover them with a wet towel to keep them moist and fresh. If you store the oysters in a container, use a small amount of ice to keep the meltwater from submerging and killing them.

2. Opening & Cleaning

As with other seafood favorites, the most labor-intensive part is the preparation. Start by scrubbing the shells under cold tap water. Don’t use soap, as it will alter the taste.

Wait to shuck the oysters until you are about to serve them to preserve the freshness for as long as possible. Next, wear a shucking glove or wrap the oyster in a soft cloth to protect your hands. Afterward, insert a shucking knife into the hinge of the shell. Twist the blade to open the shell, then slide it along the edge to cut the muscles.

If you do not have a shucking knife, a paring knife will also work. However, the process is different, and you should start by sliding the knife between the area where the shells connect, rather than the hinge. Then, carefully twist the tool 90 degrees to open the shellfish. After this, cut away the connective muscles before serving them.

3. Serving Options

Many restaurants enhance the flavor of seafood with seasoning and dip options, and oysters are not an exception. Lemon juice, cocktail sauce, mignonette, and hot sauce are popular accompaniments, but feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as horseradish and pesto. While you may want to season the raw oysters before serving, let your guests season them individually. This allows everyone to enjoy them in the best possible way.

If you want to purchase shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and more fresh seafood, visit Billy’s Seafood in Bon Secour, AL. With the motto “If it swims, we’ve got it,” this seafood market has been offering a wide selection of fresh, daily catches since 1975. To learn more about their products, visit them online. Call (251) 949-6288 to place an order for your meal.