New Orleans in the 1890s was a vibrant and bustling mecca for jazz, and what better accompaniment to good music than fresh oysters, a la Oysters Rockefeller?
Jules Alciatore is credited with creating this timeless classic. He never revealed the exact recipe, but we know that he used a mixture of butter, vegetables, fresh herbs, seasonings, and breadcrumbs on top of a shucked oyster on a half shell, and then baked.
In true New Orleans fashion, there are now endless variations of Oysters Rockefeller.
I am a Nutritionist and Natural Chef who loves experimenting with local and sustainable foods. Presented with a bucket of fresh oysters from i love blue sea, this recipe came to mind.
Although it was my first time cooking oysters, these recipes are great for beginners. Preparing these oysters, along with learning how to shuck oysters, is a one of a kind experience.
It took some practice, but I learned to shuck oysters like a pro!
Playing off of the recipe's great history, I made three easy variations of “Oysters Rockefeller," all with the classic base of butter, parsley, green onion, sea salt, and pepper.
Oysters have a great nutritional profile. They are low in calories, a good source of protein, and high in iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Below are the three variations of Oysters Rockefeller. Enjoy and stay healthy!
Classic Baked Oysters Rockefeller with Breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
Locally made breadcrumbs add a nice texture.
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
1 Tablespoons green onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
sea salt and black pepper to taste
12 oysters, freshly shucked and reserved on half shell with juices
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in parsley, green onion, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
Top each oyster with about 1 Tablespoon breadcrumb mixture and place in baking sheet or pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Easy Cheesy (and a little Spicy) Baked Oysters Rockefeller
Cheesy baked oysters are a hit with kids and adults.
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
1 Tablespoons green onion, chopped
3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
sea salt and black pepper to taste
12 oysters, freshly shucked and reserved on half shell with juices
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in parsley, green onion, parmesan, lemon juice, tabasco, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Top each oyster with about 1 Tablespoon butter mixture and place in baking sheet or pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is browned.
Easy Baked Oysters Rockefeller with Paprika
Ingredients:
Paprika gives a smoky and mildly spicy finish to the briny baked oyster.
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
1 Tablespoons green onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
sea salt and black pepper to taste
12 oysters, freshly shucked and reserved on half shell with juices
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in parsley, green onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Top each oyster with about 1 Tablespoon butter mixture and place in baking sheet or pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until edges of oysters begin to curl. Sprinkle with paprika for serving.
This recipe is brought to you by
Natural Chef
i love blue sea's "Ambassador of Taste on the High Seas"
