Savory and Special Grilled Oysters with Seasonal Ingredients
Delicious Grilled Oysters using seasonal Tongyeong oysters! From oyster cleaning tips to enhancing flavor, perfect as a side dish for wine or makgeolli.
Create special grilled oysters using fresh, in-season Tongyeong oysters. This recipe is a modern take on a traditional dish served at ancestral rites in coastal villages. Skewered and grilled, they look beautiful and taste exquisite. You can also follow the traditional method of removing sharp points from skewers when serving at formal occasions. This grilled oyster dish, highlighting the natural flavor and aroma of oysters, is a delicacy perfect for special occasions or for enjoying with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 30 fresh Tongyeong oysters
- 1/2 Korean radish (for cleaning oysters)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for cleaning oysters)
- 1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- A little black sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The oysters we’re using today are exceptionally fresh Tongyeong oysters. They arrived via delivery, and you can see just how plump and appetizing they are.
Step 2
The most crucial step in preparing oysters is thorough cleaning. To eliminate any fishy odor and achieve a firm, pleasant texture, I highly recommend a special method using radish juice instead of coarse salt. Radish juice effectively removes dark impurities clinging to the oysters and prevents the oysters from getting damaged, which can happen when scrubbing with coarse salt. Even if it seems like extra effort, please try this method! First, blend the radish with a small amount of water in a mixer until smooth.
Step 3
Strain the blended radish through a fine sieve to collect only the clear radish juice. Add the oysters to this juice and gently swirl them around with your hands. It’s important to handle the oysters delicately to avoid bruising them.
Step 4
Can you see this? The water has changed color in just a short time after soaking the oysters in radish juice. Carefully feel the oysters with your fingers as you rinse them, just in case there are any shell fragments remaining.
Step 5
After washing with radish juice, dissolve coarse sea salt in water and wash the oysters once more. This step helps to completely remove any residual unpleasant odors and enhance their flavor.
Step 6
Drain the thoroughly cleaned oysters in a colander to remove excess water. If they are too wet, the starch coating may not adhere well, so it’s best to pat them slightly dry.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare to skewer the oysters.
Step 8
Carefully thread the plumpest and most visually appealing oysters onto the skewers, one by one. Leave a small space between each oyster so they don’t clump together.
Step 9
Lightly sprinkle starch (potato or cornstarch) over the skewered oysters, coating them evenly. Gently shake off any excess powder. You can also use flour. After a short while, the natural moisture from the oysters will help the starch adhere naturally.
Step 10
Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Place the skewered oysters in the steamer and steam for about 4 minutes. Avoid over-steaming, as it can make the oysters tough.
Step 11
While the oysters are steaming, finely chop the green onions for garnish and prepare the black sesame seeds.
Step 12
Black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor, but you can omit them if they are unavailable.
Step 13
Once steamed, let the oysters cool slightly. Then, heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan and pan-fry the skewered oysters until golden brown on both sides. I used oyster oil for added flavor. To minimize cleanup, you can also line the pan with parchment paper. If you’re not serving them immediately, you can refrigerate the steamed oysters and pan-fry them just before eating. This is especially wonderful for impressing guests.
Step 14
Once all the oysters are perfectly grilled, arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with the chopped green onions and black sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Step 15
Your delicious grilled oysters are ready, boasting a rich oyster aroma and a wonderful savory scent! Experience the delightful taste of the sea with these succulent and tender grilled oysters.
Step 16
They are incredibly delicious! The taste is distinctly different from oyster pancakes. When eating, simply remove the oysters from the skewers for easy enjoyment. The firm, plump texture remains, and the flavor deepens with every bite. The natural saltiness of the oysters is so satisfying that no additional sauce is needed, making this a truly special and unique dish.
Step 17
Savor this grilled oyster dish, brimming with the essence of the sea, available only during this season. The distinct taste and aroma of oysters, with their briny, fresh oceanic notes, are truly captivating.
Step 18
This delectable grilled oyster dish pairs wonderfully with chilled makgeolli, creating a perfect harmony. The subtle oyster aroma makes it a light and enjoyable accompaniment, and it also complements wine beautifully.
Step 19
Oysters are nutritional powerhouses, offering both deliciousness and health benefits! They are a quintessential winter food, and now is their prime season. Take advantage of this time to enjoy fresh oysters by incorporating them into various dishes. These healthy and tasty oysters are a true delight. Eat plenty of oysters to boost your health and savor their wonderful taste!
