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Lemon Butter Grilled Oysters

Juicy, smoky grilled oysters topped with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. A restaurant-quality seafood appetizer made easily at home.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Seafood
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 12 fresh oysters large, in shell
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or Old Bay
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated (optional)
  • 1 French bread for serving

Equipment

  • Grill (Gas or Charcoal)
  • Oyster Knife
  • Small Saucepan
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approx. 450°F).
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, zest, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Scrub oyster shells clean. Shuck oysters, discarding the top shell but keeping the oyster and its liquid in the bottom shell.
  4. Place oysters carefully on the grill grates to avoid spilling the liquid.
  5. Spoon a generous amount of the butter mixture into each shell.
  6. Close grill lid and cook for 4-6 minutes until butter is bubbling and oyster edges curl.
  7. Top with parmesan cheese in the last minute of cooking if desired.
  8. Remove from grill, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Ensure oysters are alive before cooking; shells should be closed tightly.