Grilled Oysters with Chorizo Butter

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No shucking necessary: Once the oysters open on the grill, simply top them with David Kinch’s smoky, tangy butter. Slideshow: Great Grilled Seafood 

Grilled Oysters with Chorizo Butter
No need to shuck these oysters: Once they open on the grill, simply top them with smoky chorizo butter. Photo: © Cedric Angeles
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
8
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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces fresh Mexican chorizo, casings removed

  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • Salt

  • 18 Louisiana or other medium to large oysters, scrubbed

  • Cilantro leaves and finely grated lime zest, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a skillet, cook the chorizo over moderate heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until lightly browned, 8 minutes. Scrape into a bowl and let cool, then break into small clumps.

  2. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the skillet and simmer over low heat. Add the butter to the skillet a few cubes at a time, whisking constantly until melted before adding more. Stir in the chorizo and lime juice and season with salt. Keep warm over very low heat.

  3. Light a grill. Place the oysters on the grill, flat side up. Grill over high heat until the shells open slightly. Carefully transfer to a platter and, using kitchen gloves or a mitt, remove the top shell. Spoon the chorizo butter onto the oysters and garnish with a cilantro leaf and lime zest. Serve right away.

Suggested Pairing

Usually, oysters are served with sparkling wines, but the intensely flavorful chorizo butter here allows for a more full-bodied wine, like a minerally Chablis.

Originally appeared: May 2013

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