Do you love oysters?
If so, you’re probably curious about how to shuck them yourself. It can seem like a daunting task, but with this how-to guide, you’ll be able to do it like a pro! Shucking an oyster is actually very simple. All you need is a sharp knife and a little bit of patience. Let’s get started!
First, you’ll want to find a good oyster.
You can usually find them at your local seafood market. Once you have your oyster, it’s time to get started. To open an oyster, you will need something that can pry between the shells and is thin enough so as not to damage its edge. A knife with a guard around it makes for safer handling but even screwdrivers work if handled carefully! Use a kitchen towels or oven mitt to hold the oyster, as the shells are sharp. Place the oyster on a cutting board with the flat side up. Insert your knife into the hinge of the oyster and give it a twist. This should pop the oyster open. If it doesn’t, you can give it a little wiggle until it opens.
Now that your oyster is open, you can start to remove the meat.
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp shells. Remove the top shell. If there is a lot of meat attached to it, use the knife to cut (or, really, scrape) it off. Once you have removed all of the meat, you can discard or recycle the shells.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully shucked an oyster. Now, you can enjoy your delicious raw oyster! Serve them as soon after shucking the shellfish. Or put them on ice to keep cold. Many people eat them with lemon juice, cocktail sauce, Tabasco sauce, horse radish and saltines.
Bon appétit!
