Grilled Oysters with Compound Brown Butter

Grilled Oysters with Compound Brown Butter
Photo: Paola + Murray
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
24

Brown butter is enhanced with red onion, lemon, and fresh herbs to make a flavorful condiment for briny flame-kissed oysters.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons minced red onion

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice

  • ¼ cup lightly packed chopped flat-leaf parsley

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

  • 24 oysters, preferably Maine, such as Johns River or North Haven, scrubbed

Directions

  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; simmer, swirling occasionally, until it turns a nutty, golden brown and dark-brown bits form on bottom of pan, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; add onion and zest. Let cool slightly; stir in parsley, chives, and lemon juice. Keep warm until ready to serve, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Remelt over low heat or on grill before serving.

  2. Preheat grill for direct-heat cooking. Place oysters on grate in a single layer, curved-sides down. Cook, uncovered, just until shells open slightly, 5 to 7 minutes. (Or place on a rimmed baking sheet and put under the broiler until they pop open, 3 to 5 minutes.) Carefully transfer to a platter with tongs (don't let oyster liquor spill). When cool enough to handle, remove top shells. Spoon 1 teaspoon butter mixture into each; serve.

Cook's Notes

To ensure fresh oysters, buy them no more than one day ahead and store them on ice, uncovered, in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

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