A thorough introduction to everything from the characteristics of oysters, how to choose seasonal ingredients, as well as recommended recipes!

Oysters are popular not only in Japan but also in the West due to their unique texture and flavor. In this article, we will introduce basic information about oysters and recommended ways to eat them

Characteristics of oysters

Oysters are generally farmed Pacific oysters, but wild oysters are also available, sometimes called "summer oysters." They come in a variety of sizes and are used in a variety of dishes

Seasonality and how to choose

Oysters are in season from autumn to winter. In English-speaking countries, it is sometimes said that oysters should not be eaten in months without an R (summer months), but wild oysters can be eaten in summer as well. It is best to choose plump shucked oysters and heavy shelled oysters

Recommended oyster recipes

Oysters are rich in glycogen and highly nutritious. While oysters with the shell are generally eaten raw or grilled, shucked oysters are divided into two types: one for eating raw and one for cooking, and it is best to use them according to the purpose

Fried oysters

• Ingredients: 300-400g oysters, lettuce and shiso leaves (as needed), 4 lemons, salt, sake, flour, and oil for frying
• cooking:
  1. Wash the oysters with plenty of salt and drain
  2. Quickly cook the oysters in boiling water and drain
  3. Crack the eggs and beat them, then add the sake and mix
  4. Dust the oysters in flour, dip in egg and coat in breadcrumbs
  5. Deep fry in 170°C oil until golden brown
  6. Mix the lettuce and green shiso leaves together, serve with the fried oysters, and garnish with lemon

Oyster miso gratin

This recipe makes a Japanese-style gratin using oysters and proccoli. The richness of Saikyo miso and the umami of oysters are an exquisite match

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Oysters (shucked): appropriate amount (approximately 300-400g)
• 200g broccoli
• White wine: 1 tablespoon
• Butter: 20g
• Flour: 3 tablespoons
• Soup (1 cube of soup base + water): 1 cup
• Milk: 2 cups
• Saikyo miso: 2 tablespoons

Cooking method

1. Wash the oysters in salt water, sprinkle with white wine and cook. Once they change color, remove them and reserve the cooking liquid
2. Separate the proccoli into small florets, boil in lightly salted water until soft, then drain
3. Melt the butter and fry the flour, then add the soup, milk, and oyster broth and mix. Once boiling, reduce over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half, then add the miso and dissolve it
4. Place a small amount of sauce in a baking dish, arrange the oysters and proccoli, and pour the remaining sauce over them. Bake in a 200°C oven for 10 to 15 minutes and it's done

Breaded oysters

This recipe for breaded oysters will whet your appetite with the aroma of fragrant breadcrumbs and cheese

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Oysters (in shell): 12
• White wine: 1 cup
• Breadcrumbs: just under 1 cup
• Parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced): a little
• A little chopped thyme
• Parmesan cheese: appropriate amount
• Salt and pepper: a little each
• Olive oil: just under 1 cup

Cooking method

1. Open the oyster shells and remove the meat, then wash and dry the shells
2. Wash the oysters in salt water, add white wine and cook until plump
3. Place the oysters back in their shells and top with fragrant breadcrumbs made from a mixture of breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, thyme, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil
4. Bake in a toaster oven until golden brown and it's done

Oysters are loved by many people for their rich nutritional value and unique flavor. Use the information above to enjoy oysters to the fullest