Oysters are a delicious shellfish that can be prepared in many different ways. One popular cooking method is barbecuing oysters on the grill. Grilled oysters make for an impressive appetizer or main course. With just a few simple steps, you can learn how to bbq oysters at home.

Overview of BBQ Oysters

BBQ oysters involve cooking oysters on a hot grill, usually over an open flame. The high heat helps the oysters open up, exposing the meat inside. BBQ oysters are typically seasoned with butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and other ingredients before grilling. The oysters pick up a lovely char and caramelization from the grill.

Grilled oysters have a wonderfully smoky flavor. When topped with compound butter, the oysters take on even more richness. The textures also change – the grill firms up the oysters and gives them a nice char on the edges. BBQ oysters make a great appetizer for backyard grilling and are perfect for serving a crowd.

Benefits of Grilling Oysters

There are several advantages to cooking oysters on the barbecue:

Enhanced flavor – The charcoal or gas grill imparts a lovely smokiness to the oysters. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars.
Textural changes – Grilling firms up the texture of the oysters. They develop a nice char while still staying moist inside.
Quick cooking – Oysters grill up fast, making them perfect for entertaining. The high heat helps expedite the cooking process.
Fun presentation – Serving grilled oysters on the half shell looks impressive. Guests can enjoy the experience of plucking the oysters right from the grill.
Versatile – BBQ oysters work well as an passed appetizer or as a main course. You can provide just the grilled oysters or add fun toppings.

Overall, grilling is one of the best cooking methods to bring out the best in oysters. The barbecue also adds a festive element perfect for relaxed gatherings.

How to Choose Oysters for Grilling

When selecting oysters for barbecuing, keep these tips in mind:

Look for high-quality oysters – The best oysters for grilling should smell fresh, without any “off” aromas. Avoid oysters with cracked or damaged shells.
Select oysters that are tightly closed – You want live oysters that are sealed shut. If the oyster shell is open, give it a tap – live oysters will quickly snap closed.
Choose medium to large-sized oysters – Oysters around 3 inches work well. Very small oysters can overcook and large ones may not open properly.
Buy pre-shucked oysters – Shucking oysters can be tricky. Opt for pre-shucked oysters in jars or containers to simplify the process.
Get oysters packed in their liquor – Oysters stored in their natural juices will have the best flavor. The liquor helps keep the oysters moist.
Select oysters from the Gulf Coast – Varieties like Louisiana oysters are ideal for grilling. Pacific oysters also work well.

With high-quality oysters from a trusted source, you’ll be ready to grill up some amazing BBQ oysters.

How to Clean & Shuck Oysters

If buying oysters in the shell to shuck yourself, here is a quick guide:

Supplies Needed

Oyster knife
Glove or towel
Oyster shucking board (optional)

Cleaning Oysters

Rinse oysters under cold running water to remove any debris on the shells.
Use a stiff brush or towel to scrub the oyster shells clean.
Discard any oysters with cracked shells or that won’t close when tapped.

Shucking Oysters

Wrap your hand in a glove or towel to hold the oyster securely.
Find the hinge at the narrow end of the oyster shell.
Wedge the oyster knife tip into the hinge.
Twist the blade to pop open the shell.
Run the knife along the top shell to disconnect the muscle.
Discard the top shell, keeping the oyster liquor in the bottom shell.

Take care when shucking and go slowly until you get the hang of it. Watch for sharp edges on the shells.

How to Prep Oysters for Grilling

Once you have high-quality oysters ready, prep them for the barbecue:

Keep oysters chilled – Until ready to grill, store oysters in a bowl on ice. Keeping them cold prevents premature cooking.
Clean the shells – Use a wire grill brush to scrub any dirt and debris off the oyster shells.
Create a seasoning – Mix up a compound butter or herb mix to flavor the oysters. Garlic, shallots, lemon, and Parmesan all work well.
Line a tray – Place a bed of rock salt or crushed ice on a tray. Nestle the oysters in the salt to keep them upright.
Add seasoning – Top each oyster with a dollop of the flavored butter or herbs. Avoid overfilling the shells.
Preheat grill – Get the grill very hot. Use a two-zone fire with intense direct heat on one side.

Properly prepping the oysters helps ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

How to Grill Oysters to Perfection

Grilling oysters takes just a few minutes if you follow these tips:

Place oysters shell-side down – Position them directly on the hot grill grates above the direct heat.
Cook 2-3 minutes – After 2 minutes, check for doneness. Continue grilling another minute if needed.
Rotate the oysters – Flip each oyster over halfway through cooking. This prevents over-charring in one spot.
Check for opening – Once the oyster shells pop open, they are done. This exposes the oyster meat.
Close any unopened oysters – If any oysters don’t open, close them with tongs and grill another minute.
Avoid overcooking – Be careful not to overcook the oysters. They can become rubbery and tough.
Let rest briefly – Once grilled, let the oysters rest 1 minute before eating.

Grilling oysters is quick and easy. In just 2-3 minutes, you can have perfectly barbecued oysters ready to enjoy.

Toppings for BBQ Oysters

While delicious plain, grilled oysters are even better with creative toppings. Here are some topping ideas:

Compound Butters

Lemon parsley butter
Garlic herb butter
Spicy chipotle lime butter
Bacon and bleu cheese butter

Sauces & Spreads

Homemade mignonette sauce
Fresh salsa
Chimichurri
Pesto

Other Toppings

Grated Parmesan
Crumbled feta
Diced tomatoes and basil
Minced garlic
Fine breadcrumbs
Squeeze of fresh lemon

Get creative with your favorite ingredients! Let guests dress their own oysters for maximum enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Oysters

Impress your guests with beautiful presentations:

Serve grilled oysters on a bed of crushed ice with lemon wedges.
Arrange oysters on a plank with char marks along the edges.
Top oysters with toppings in small bowls for DIY dressing.
Garnish oysters with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill.
Provide cocktail sauce, mignonette, and lemon for dipping.
Display on a tiered tray garnished with seaweed or shells.

Grilled oysters make a fabulous appetizer or starter. For a main meal, also enjoy with crusty bread, a crisp white wine, and a fresh salad.

Storing Leftover Grilled Oysters

To properly store leftovers:

Allow oysters to cool completely before refrigerating.
Place any remaining oysters in their shells in an airtight container.
Cover shucked oyster meat in plastic wrap before storing.
Pour any extra oyster liquor into a jar or bottle for storage.
Refrigerate leftovers and use within 2 days.
Discard any oysters that smell unpleasant after being stored.

Use leftover grilled oysters to top pasta, fold into omelets, or toss into a salad. The smoky oysters add great flavor to many dishes.

Common Questions about BBQ Oysters

Grilling oysters is easy and fun. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What type of grill is best for cooking oysters?

A charcoal grill is ideal for grilling oysters. The smoky flavor adds to their taste. You can also use a gas grill successfully.

Should the grill be extremely hot?

Yes, you want very high direct heat, around 500-600??F, to quickly grill the oysters and achieve a good char.

How do I prevent the oysters from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is well-cleaned and oiled before placing the oysters down. Use a thin metal spatula to flip the oysters carefully.

Why are some oysters not opening on the grill?

Oysters may remain closed if not cooked at a high enough temperature or if their shells are too tightly sealed. Gently pry these open using grill tongs or an oyster knife.

Can I grill canned or jarred oysters?

Pre-shucked canned or jarred oysters can be grilled but may not firm up as nicely. Fresh oysters in the shell work best.

How long do the grilled oysters keep for?

Eat grilled oysters right away for the best taste. Leftover grilled oysters keep 2-3 days refrigerated. Discard any with an off smell.

Tips for Grilling Oysters Like a Pro

Take your oyster grilling skills to the next level with these pro tips:

Allow oysters to sit at room temperature 15 minutes before grilling. This prevents temperature shock.
Use rock salt or wood chips to add flavor if grilling directly on the grill grates.
Grill lemon halves alongside the oysters. The roasted lemon squeezes beautifully over the oysters.
Try a very hot side and cooler side on your grill. Move oysters to the cool side if they char too quickly.
Grill oysters just until the shells open or meat starts curling. Don’t overcook.
Sprinkle the oysters with a bit of water if they start sticking while grilling.
Invest in long sturdy tongs to carefully flip and handle the oysters.
Serve grilled oysters with grilled bread brushed with flavored butter for a whole meal.
Skewer parmesan cheese between the oyster shells while grilling for an amazing flavor.

With a hot grill and a bit of practice, you can master cooking incredible barbecue oysters at home. Impress your family and friends with this tasty grilled appetizer.

How to Prep the Grill for Cooking Oysters

Properly setting up the grill is half the battle for expertly barbecued oysters. Follow these steps to get your charcoal or gas grill ready:

Gather Supplies

Having the right gear on hand makes prepping the grill much smoother:

Charcoal or propane
Lighter fluid and long match/grill lighter
Chimney starter for charcoal
Grill brush and scraper
Tongs for handling food
Oven mitts for safety
A spray bottle of water (for flare-ups)
Trays or platters for oysters

Clear the Grates

Start by thoroughly cleaning the grill grates:

With a stiff wire brush, scrape any grime and food residue off the grates.
Use a wadded ball of foil to scrub harder to clean areas.
Remove cooking grates and wash with hot soapy water if needed.
Dry the clean grates well before replacing on the grill.

Oil the Grates

Using tongs, rub a wad of paper towels dipped in vegetable oil over the grates.
Make sure the oil coats grates fully. This helps prevent sticking.
Another option is rubbing the grates with a halved onion dipped in oil.
Avoid spraying cooking spray directly onto hot grates – this can cause flare ups.

Prep Charcoal Grill

For charcoal barbecues:

Fill a chimney starter with charcoal briquettes. Use newspaper or paraffin cubes to ignite.
Allow charcoal to become fully lit and grayish-white coated before pouring into grill.
Spread charcoal evenly across the bottom of grill.
Replace cooking grate once coals are ready, letting grill heat up for 15 minutes.

Prep Gas Grill

For gas grills:

Open the grill lid and ensure burners are clear of debris.
Make sure propane tank is full or attach to gas supply line.
Ignite burners, turning all to high, and close lid to preheat.
Heat grill on high 15 minutes with the lid closed.

Create Two Heat Zones

Arrange the hot charcoal or turn burners to create direct and indirect heat areas.
The hotter direct zone is for searing while the indirect zone regulates temperature.
For gas grills, turn the burners in the middle on high and leave the outer burners on low.

The grill is now properly preheated and ready for oysters!

How to Make Compound Butter for Grilled Oysters

Compound butter adds incredible flavor when topped on hot grilled oysters. Follow this easy recipe:

Ingredients

1 stick softened unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Soften the butter to room temperature to make it easier to mix.
Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh herbs.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic.
Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
Season with a pinch of salt and ground pepper.
Using a spoon, mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
Transfer the compound butter onto a sheet of parchment or waxed paper.
Gently roll and shape into a log, twisting the ends to seal.
Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up slightly before using.
Slice off pats of the flavored butter to top grilled oysters before serving.

Make compound butter ahead of time so the flavors have time to mingle. Change up the herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.

How to Build the Perfect Oyster Grilling Station

Setting up an organized grilling station helps make cooking oysters much easier. Here are some tips:

Gather Essentials

Have these supplies handy near the grill:

Platter lined with rock salt or crushed ice for oysters
Small bowls for compound butter, herb mixes, and other toppings
Oyster knife for shucking if needed
Seafood crackers and cocktail sauce for serving
Tongs, spatula, and grill brush
Thick oven mitts for handling hot oysters
Sheet pan or platter for cooked oysters
Side towels for cleaning up spills

Prep Toppings in Advance

Prepare flavored butters, herb mixes, or other oyster toppings early.
Place toppings in individual ramekins or bowls for ease of use.
Keep a lemon wedge or grilled lemon half near each oyster topping.

Have Extras on Hand

Extra shellfish knives or shuckers in case of emergency
A spray bottle of water to quickly control flare-ups
Aluminum foil sheets for indirect grilling if needed
An instant-read thermometer for checking doneness

Keep Things Organized

Set up prep and cooked oyster stations on side tables to keep work space clear.
Use trays and platters to carry oysters and avoid spills.
Keep a garbage bowl for discarding shells and debris.
Store grilling tools in a small bucket or basin when not in use.

Being organized makes the whole grilling process smoother and more efficient.

How to Grill Oysters Indirectly

While grilling oysters directly over an open flame is ideal, sometimes indirect cooking works better:

Benefits of Indirect Grilling

Indirect grilling oysters:

Prevents burning or overcharring when direct heat is too intense
Cooks oysters more gently and evenly
Allows you to grill-roast oysters alongside other foods
Lets you cook more oysters at once

How to BBQ Oysters