Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

Indulge your taste buds with this savory and spicy baked oysters recipe. Each element of this dish has been carefully chosen to harmonize and enhance the natural briny flavor of the oysters. The spicy jalapeno kick, crunchy bacon and breadcrumbs, and subtle sweetness of sherry combine to create a uniquely delicious taste experience that is certain to impress your guests.

Photos of Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

While most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in every kitchen, few are unique and might need a special trip to the supermarket. The key ingredient here is fresh oysters, which you'll find in the seafood section. You'd also need champagne vinegar for the mignonette, often stocked in the vinegar aisle. And don't forget the panko breadcrumbs and collard greens, these can be found in the international and produce sections respectively.

Ingredients for Spicy Baked Oysters

Oysters: The star of the dish, used for their unique, briny flavor.

Unsalted butter: Used to add richness to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese breadcrumbs that give a light, crispy coating.

Jalapeno: Adds a fiery kick to the dish.

Shallot: Gives a delicate onion flavor.

Fennel bulb: Adds a touch of anise flavor.

Parsley: Used for a fresh herbaceous note.

Collard greens: A southern-style green that adds texture and color.

Olive oil: Used for cooking and to bring everything together.

Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, umami flavor.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory dimension.

Dry sherry: Gives a sweet, nutty flavor.

Kosher salt and black pepper: For seasoning.

Rock salt: Used to stabilize the oysters while baking.

Peach: Used in the mignonette for a sweet contrast.

Honey: Balances the acidity in the mignonette.

Champagne vinegar: Gives the mignonette its acidic bite.

Chives: Adds a delicate oniony flavor to the mignonette.

Black peppercorn: Adds a spicy kick to the mignonette.

One reader, Addy Witte says:

The spicy baked oysters recipe was a game-changer! The combination of flavors was outstanding, and the oysters were perfectly cooked. The mignonette added a delightful touch. It's a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a unique and flavorful dish. I'll definitely be making this again!

Addy Witte

Techniques Required for Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

Shucking the oysters: Remove the oysters from their shells, being careful to preserve as much of the oyster liquor as possible.

Making the mignonette: Combine the peach, honey, champagne vinegar, shallot, chives, and black peppercorn in a bowl and whisk together to create the mignonette sauce.

Baking the oysters: Arrange the oysters on a baking sheet, top with the collard green mixture and bread crumb mixture, then bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheesy bread crumbs have browned.

Sautéing the collard greens: Cook the collard greens with jalapeño, shallot, fennel, parsley, and seasonings in a skillet until wilted, then add sherry and cook to meld the flavors.

Preparing the bread crumb mixture: Combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic butter, olive oil, parmesan, and bacon in a bowl to create the topping for the oysters.

Arranging the oysters: Spread a layer of rock salt on a baking dish, arrange the oysters on the half shell, and top with the collard green and bread crumb mixtures before baking.

How To Make Spicy Baked Oysters

These baked oysters are a nod to the popular Oyster Rockefeller. Add in some jalapeno peppers, cheese, and mignonette for wondrous results. Try it!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Oysters:

24oysters,fresh
4tbspunsalted butter
2clovesgarlic,minced
¼cuppanko breadcrumbs
1jalapeño,seeded and minced
1shallot,medium, minced
1fennel bulb,small, finely chopped
1tbspparsley,fresh, chopped
2cupscollard green, thinly sliced
3tbspolive oil
¼cupparmesan cheese,grated
4bacon,slices, cooked, crumbled
¼cupdry sherry
1tspkosher salt
1tspblack pepper
rock salt,for serving

For Mignonette:

1peach,large, pitted and finely chopped
1tsphoney
¾cupchampagne vinegar
1shallot,medium, minced
1tspchives,fresh, finely chopped
¼tspblack peppercorn,cracked

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Shuck the oysters. Discard the empty shells and arrange the oysters on the half shell on a rimmed baking sheet.
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and half of the garlic butter. Let sit until ready to use so the panko absorbs the butter.
Return the skillet with the remaining garlic butter to medium heat. Add the jalapeño, shallot, fennel, parsley, and collard greens.
Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the collard greens are wilted. Add the salt, pepper, and sherry. Cook for 5 minutes more to meld the flavors. Remove the pan from the heat.
Meanwhile, to the bowl with the bread crumbs, add the olive oil, Parmesan, and bacon. Toss to incorporate.
Spread a generous layer of rock salt on a large ovenproof baking dish or platter. Top the oysters with a spoonful each of the collard green mixture and bread crumb mixture.
Arrange the oysters on the platter, nestling the shells into the salt. Transfer to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheesy bread crumbs have browned.
While the oysters bake, make the mignonette. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peach, honey, vinegar, shallot, chives, and pepper.
To serve, top each oyster with a bit of mignonette.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 277.62kcal
Fat: 17.19g
Saturated Fat: 6.28g
Trans Fat: 0.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.52g
Carbohydrates: 14.25g
Fiber: 1.83g
Sugar: 4.05g
Protein: 15.38g
Cholesterol: 82.40mg
Sodium: 530.81mg
Calcium: 96.89mg
Potassium: 426.43mg
Iron: 6.73mg
Vitamin A: 179.45µg
Vitamin C: 19.32mg

Technique Tip for Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

When shucking oysters, it's important to hold them securely with a towel to protect your hands. Insert the oyster knife at the hinge at the back of the oyster, then twist the knife to pop the shell open. Be careful not to spill the oyster's liquor, the briny, flavorful liquid inside the shell, as it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the collard green mixture and mignonette ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Organized workspace: Set up your workspace with all the necessary ingredients and tools before you start cooking to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Efficient shucking: Shuck the oysters efficiently by using a shucking knife and protecting your hand with a kitchen towel for a quicker process.

Multi-task: While the oysters are baking, use that time to prepare the mignonette and clean up your workspace for a more efficient cooking process.

Quality ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors and overall outcome of the dish.

Timely preparation: Follow the recipe steps in a timely manner to ensure that each component is ready when needed for assembly.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

Oysters - Substitute with clams: Clams have a similar texture and briny flavor to oysters, making them a suitable substitute for this recipe.
Jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos, providing a suitable alternative for adding spiciness to the dish.
Panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed saltine crackers: Crushed saltine crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor as panko breadcrumbs in the recipe.
Collard greens - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for collard greens, offering a similar texture and earthy flavor to complement the dish.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor to enhance the dish.
Bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta can be used as a substitute for bacon, offering a similar salty and savory flavor to complement the dish.
Dry sherry - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for dry sherry to add acidity and depth of flavor to the recipe.
Peach - Substitute with apricot: Apricots can be used as a substitute for peaches in the mignonette, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavor to complement the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Spicy Baked Oysters

Elevate the oysters on the half shell: Arrange the shucked oysters on a bed of rock salt, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the baked oysters to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Present on a bed of wilted collard greens: Arrange the oysters on a bed of the flavorful collard green mixture, ensuring each oyster is nestled in the greens for a stunning presentation.
Drizzle with mignonette: Artfully drizzle the peach mignonette over the oysters, creating an elegant and flavorful finishing touch.
Use elegant serving platters: Choose sophisticated, minimalistic platters or plates that allow the oysters to take center stage and showcase the dish's elegance.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating edible flowers as a delicate and visually stunning garnish for the baked oysters.
Serve with champagne: Pair the spicy baked oysters with a glass of fine champagne to elevate the dining experience and complement the flavors of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Spicy Baked Oysters

Oyster knife: A specialized knife with a short, sturdy blade and a pointed tip designed for shucking oysters.
Rimmed baking sheet: A baking sheet with raised edges to contain food items, such as the oysters, while baking.
Medium skillet: A shallow, wide-bottomed pan with a long handle, used for sautéing and cooking various ingredients.
Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Large ovenproof baking dish or platter: A dish or platter that can withstand high oven temperatures and is suitable for baking the oysters.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.

How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Baked Oysters

The best way to reheat leftover spicy baked oysters is to place them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy again. This method will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the oysters.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can also reheat the oysters in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 30-60 seconds, or until they are heated through. However, keep in mind that the breadcrumbs may not be as crispy as they would be if reheated in the oven.
Another option is to reheat the oysters in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of butter or olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the oysters and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
If you have any leftover mignonette sauce, you can spoon it over the reheated oysters for added flavor. The peach and honey in the sauce will complement the spicy flavors of the oysters.
Regardless of which method you choose, be sure not to overcook the oysters, as they can become tough and rubbery if heated for too long. Aim for just enough time to heat them through and restore their original texture and flavor.

Interesting Fact About Spicy Baked Oysters

The spicy baked oysters recipe is a delicious way to enjoy oysters with a spicy twist. Oysters are a great source of zinc, which is essential for immune function and wound healing. Additionally, they are low in calories and high in protein, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Enjoying oysters in this flavorful dish provides a unique way to incorporate this nutrient-rich seafood into your meals.

Is Making Spicy Baked Oysters at Home Cost-Effective?

This spicy baked oysters recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of oysters and bacon may increase the overall cost, but the dish's unique flavors and gourmet appeal justify the expense. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $40-$50. The combination of fresh ingredients like jalapeno, fennel, and collard greens adds depth to the dish, making it a worthwhile investment. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Are Spicy Baked Oysters Healthy?

The spicy baked oysters recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:

The recipe uses a significant amount of butter and olive oil, which are high in saturated and monounsaturated fats.
Bacon, although adding flavor, is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
Parmesan cheese contributes to the overall saturated fat content of the dish.
The breadcrumbs, while providing a nice texture, add extra carbohydrates and calories.

However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:

Oysters, which are a good source of protein, zinc, and other essential nutrients.
Collard greens, which are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Shallots, garlic, and jalapeno, which offer various health benefits and add flavor without significant calorie contribution.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of butter and olive oil used, or replace some of it with a healthier alternative like olive oil spray.
Opt for a leaner protein source instead of bacon, such as turkey bacon or prosciutto.
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as collard greens, fennel, and shallots, to boost the nutrient density of the dish.
Experiment with using less parmesan cheese or a lower-fat alternative to reduce the saturated fat content.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the spicy baked oysters while still maintaining the delicious flavors and textures that make this dish so appealing.

Editor's Opinion on Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe

The combination of briny oysters, spicy jalapeño, and savory collard greens creates a harmonious blend of flavors in this recipe. The addition of crispy bacon and cheesy breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch, while the peach mignonette provides a refreshing contrast. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome. Overall, this spicy baked oysters recipe offers a sophisticated and flavorful dish that is sure to impress diners with its balance of heat, texture, and taste.

Enhance Your Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled asparagus spears drizzled with a tangy lemon zest vinaigrette, adding a burst of freshness to complement the spicy baked oysters.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Savory bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, providing a sweet and salty contrast to the bold flavors of the spicy baked oysters.

Caramelized Pineapple Slices: Caramelized pineapple slices with a hint of cinnamon, offering a tropical sweetness to balance out the heat of the spicy baked oysters.

Alternative Recipes to Spicy Baked Oysters

Spicy Baked Oysters: Follow the provided recipe for a delicious and spicy appetizer.

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful and colorful dish by stuffing bell peppers with a savory filling.

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Enjoy a tropical twist on traditional teriyaki chicken by grilling pineapple alongside the chicken for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a comforting and creamy soup that combines the rich flavors of tomato and basil for a satisfying meal.

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake: Treat yourself to a luxurious dessert with a warm and gooey chocolate lava cake that is sure to impress.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Spicy Baked Oysters

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Impress your guests with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, served with a tangy lemon dill sauce and a side of roasted vegetables. The crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh of the salmon will leave everyone wanting more.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Elevate your dinner with these flavorful stuffed bell peppers, filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, and a blend of spices. Topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, these peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try for all seafood lovers. The combination of fresh oysters with a flavorful mix of jalapeno, shallot, and collard greens creates a tantalizing taste experience. The addition of bacon and parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, while the mignonette with peach and champagne vinegar provides a refreshing contrast. With carefully selected ingredients and detailed instructions, this recipe promises a delightful and unforgettable dining experience.

Want to share your own twist on this Spicy Baked Oysters Recipe or discuss other variations? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

How long does it take to bake the oysters?

It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to bake the oysters until the cheesy bread crumbs have browned.

Can I use something else instead of oysters?

While oysters are traditional for this recipe, you can also use clams or mussels as a substitute.

What can I use as a substitute for dry sherry?

If you don't have dry sherry, you can use white wine or chicken broth as a substitute.

Can I prepare the oysters ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the oysters ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.

Can I make the mignonette in advance?

Yes, you can make the mignonette in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the oysters.