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 delicious texture and beautiful flavor. Read on to learn how to do it yourself!
Table of contents
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: if you don’t have a smoker you can always grill your oysters on the BBQ.
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. Canned oysters also have all the same great nutrients
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.
- Either eat the oyster straight away or put them in a jar of oil and store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze what you don't eat
How to Serve Them
Not sure how to eat your smoked oysters? They are best if you place them in oil once smoked. You can eat them as they are or we like to blend them into a yummy pate.
Smoke On!
Charlie
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 the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
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.
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This method had our oysters coming out so delicious! Amazing.
thanks Jake!! stoked you and the guys at goodfoods liked our oyster recipe!!! Home smoked ones are waaay better than canned oysters!
I love Oysters but I’ve never been able to cook them myself. This recipe allowed me to do just that and had them coming out tasting amazing! Great recipe!
thanks Tim!! Stoked you enjoyed the oysters!! what sort of smoker do you use for them? I have some other awesome smoked seafood if your keen on that!
I have never smoked, or cooked on the BBQ. This weekend will be the 1st. I bought a whole Flounder, an Ocean Brown Trout, and 19 oysters.
I saw how you do the Oysters, but can you help me with a whole fish? Thanks!
Hiya Gloria! Sounds you are going to have a great seafood feast! Here are some tips on smoking trout, https://www.simplymeatsmoking.com/recipes/simple-smoked-trout/ let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Hello Charlie, I live in the Pacific Northwest, and have my own oyster beds. My wife does not like oysters – until we followed your smoked oyster recipe – now they are a hit! Absolutely delicious! Thanks for posting this recipe, and the additional ideas on how to eat the oysters!
Hiya Ed!!
Stoked to hear you and your wife enjoyed the smoked oysters!!!! Also so jealous, I would love have some oyster beds of my own! What did you serve the oysters with?