Some say oysters are like the snot of the ocean. You either love them or hate them.
Personally, I love them. They are sweet, salty, and unique.
Unfortunately, I don’t have great access to fresh oysters so we don’t have them that often.
Occasionally I treat myself and order some in. I like to have a few fresh, but usually, smoke and preserve the rest.
My wife is not a huge fan of fresh oysters, but she can’t get enough of them when they are smoked!
Smoking oysters completely changes the taste and most importantly the texture.
It transforms the oyster from being slimy and ‘weird’ to a more palatable texture and beautiful flavor. Read on to learn how to do it yourself!
How Long Do you Smoke Oysters in the Shell?
To smoke oysters in their shell simply place your oysters in your grill or smoker preheated to 225°F and smoke until tender and no longer slimy.
This should take around 35 minutes – 50 minutes. Smoking oysters in the shell does take longer than shucking completely and gives the oysters a more faint smoke flavor.
I set up my grill to smoke with either the charcoal snake method or a little wood chip smoker insert to smoke with my gas grill
Note: When smoking oysters in the shell, ensure you shuck the oyster and remove the top shell. The shell is too thick to grill completely closed.
What Temperature Do You Smoke Oysters At?
If you are using a gas, electric, charcoal, or pellet smoker you want to maintain a steady temperature of 225°F to smoke oysters.
How Good are Smoked Oysters For You?
Oysters are an excellent source of copper, iron, protein, vitamin D & zinc. They also contain high levels of phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, and Vitamin C.
They are also rich in antioxidants and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy cholesterol.
What Sort of Wood Should You Use to Smoke Oysters?
When smoking oysters you don’t want to use strong wood. For this recipe, I am using a combination of alder and cherry wood. These woods will not overpower the flavor of the oyster.
Smoked Oysters Recipe
Smoked Oyster Recipe
Equipment
- Smoker
- Wire rack
- Oyster shucking knife
Ingredients
- 500 grams Butter
- 1/2 Bunch Parsley
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 24 Oysters
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Set up your smoker according to your manufacturer's instructions. Pre heat to 225°F.
- Melt the butter over medium heat until melted. Mix in hot sauce to taste and finely chopped garlic and parsley.
- Shuck your Oysters. Try to save as much of the liquid as possible.
- Arrange your shucked oysters on a wire rack. Spoon over 1 – 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture over each oyster.
- Once your smoker is burning clean smoke and sitting at 225°F put your oysters in. Smoke for 30 – 45 minutes or until the oysters have become firm and your desired texture.
- Serve hot and eat straight away.
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking and getting out in nature with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork)
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
