Indoor Oyster Roast for 8 People

Time: 45 Minutes

100 to 120 unshucked oysters, scrubbed clean
6 small lemons, cut into wedges
Tabasco, or other pepper sauce
Oyster knives
Oyster gloves, garden gloves, or kitchen towels for shucking

1. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Working in batches, arrange oysters in a single layer in a 12-by-16-inch roasting pan fitted with a flat rack. Pour 1/3 inch of hot tap water into pan, and bake for 7 minutes, or until oyster shells have begun to open.

2. Using gloves or tongs, transfer oysters to a table covered in newspaper for guests to shuck, garnish and eat while next batch cooks. Add water to pan as necessary, and repeat roasting until all oysters have been served, about 45 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce.

Above: The oyster-shucking table, ready for guests and oven-roasted oysters
(Note: heavy-duty dishwashing gloves, another option for hand-protection)

Above: Oysters on a flat rack in the roasting pan. Pour in a half-inch water and into a preheated 475-degree oven they go!

Above: Down the hatch!

--Matt Lee and Ted Lee

Check out Matt Lee and Ted Lee’s favorite kitchen products in the Kitchen & Home Gift Guide.

Roasted Oysters

by Chef #407788 Evelinkamalinka

30 min | 30 min prep

SERVES 24

* 4 dozen fresh oysters, in the shell (Blupoints or other large flat shell oysters)
* 3 lbs rock salt or ice
* 1 cup diced tomato, drained
* 1 cup thinly bias-sliced green onion
* lemon wedge

1. Scrub oysters under cold running water. Spread rock salt on a heavy roasting pan or baking sheet. Arrange on dozen of the oysters, curved shell down, on rock salt so they are stabilized.
2. Bake in a 400 degrees oven, for about 10 minutes. Remove oysters when the shells open, as they pop and continue baking until are done. Repeat with remaining oysters.
3. Hold the roasted oyster with the oven mitt and the flat side up. Using a strong bladed knife insert the knife into the hinges of the shell. Twisting the blade, pry open the oyster, move the blade along the upper side of the sheel to free the muscle from the shell.
4. Remove and discard the upper shell.
5. Use the lower shell for serving the oyster.
6. Transfer to a platter lined with rock salt. Top each oyster with 1 teaspoon of tomatoes and green onions. Served with lemon wedges.
7. Makes 24 appetizers.

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