How To Throw An Oyster Roast!

A few weeks ago, after I posted about a small oyster roast we threw at our house, I received a few questions regarding how to cook oysters and what all was needed for an oyster roast. Then, Mariel suggested that I post a How-To so here it is!

What you'll need...
-Saltine crackers
-Lemon wedges
-Cocktail sauce
-Tabasco or any other hot sauce
-Oyster knives {can be found at your local hardware store, tackle shop, or Wal-Mart}
-Gloves / towels / paper towels
-Trash cans specifically for discarded oyster shells {Contact your local DNR to see where your closest oyster shell recycling station is. They place the shells back into the water to promote new oyster growth.}
-Table that can get dirty or a piece of plywood resting on sawhorses
-Cooker with propane {We use something similar to a turkey fryer}
-Oysters {one bushel per 5-10 people, depending on the level of oyster eaters}
-Another dish such as chili or chicken bog for the non-oyster eaters

How to prepare...

-Purchase bushels of oysters as close to your oyster roast as possible. Keep them in a cool, dry place until ready to cook.
-Before cooking, rinse oysters off well with a hose to remove any excess mud / dirt.
-Put about 2 inches of water in bottom of pot. Light the burner and place oysters inside basket once water has started to boil / steam. Cover with lid.
-Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes. Less time for more runny oysters, more time for more chewy ones. The more you cook, the easier the shells will be to open.
-Eat with whatever condiment you prefer and enjoy!


That's how we do it around here! There are other ways to cook oysters, but this is the way that works best for us. Let me know if you have any questions {and I'll be sure to ask Cameron!}.