What to Eat with Oysters: Tasty Snacking Options

Oysters are a kind of Seafood that is healthy and full of Nutrients. This is a kind of Shellfish that people love to eat. Oysters undoubtedly taste great alone, but some people still want to know what to eat with Oysters.

Just like in a movie, the main character shines because of other supporting characters. Likewise, Oysters shine bright when other side dishes accompany this main star. However, the taste of Oysters highly depends on their size and the water they come from.

So, if you are having oysters, you are getting different flavors every time. And that’s what makes it interesting. Food that doesn’t taste the same always is a great food to eat. Let’s get to know more about this shellfish along with What to eat with Oysters.

1. Oysters (Scientific name: Ostreidae)

Oysters are Shellfish with irregular shapes. They belong to the phylum “Bivalve Mollusca”. They are found in almost every ocean, and they are a great source of food as well as shiny Pearls. Above all, oysters are very useful, as we can even use their shells to make beautiful decorative items.

Not all Oysters are similar, meaning there are many types of Oysters. Not every species of oyster belongs to the superfamily of Ostreidae. For example, “Pearl oysters” are different from true oysters so, they belong to the “Pteriida” order.

The shells of Oysters are really hard, and their color is usually whitish-gray. Their size and taste vary depending on the region they come from. France is very famous for Oysters, and they love eating this shellfish.

1.01. How to Eat with Raw Oysters

You can eat either Raw Oysters or Cooked Oysters. But, mostly it is said that Raw Oysters are better in taste and give you full nutrients that cooked oysters may not. So, Raw Oysters should always be fresh, but once it is old, it smells really bad.

However, a seafood Restaurant will serve you Raw Oysters in half shell, where the shucking process is already done. This half-shell Raw oysters are served with ice beneath it. So that it may remain fresh without any risk.

And now comes your part to eat it. Make sure, the flesh is detached from the shell, and it smells good. Then, take it in your hands and slurp it directly from the shell. You may bite it too or just swallow it. When you bite, you can enjoy its full taste. But it’s all up to you though.

1.02. How Do Oysters Taste?

Raw oysters’ taste highly depends on the Ocean it’s coming from. But to get a basic Idea, it will be salty. It’s coming from an ocean so it will of course be salty. It’s just that you may get just salty raw oysters or too salty ones. If it’s too salty for you then, try adding some lemon juice to balance the saltiness.

Apart from being salty, they sometimes taste like melons or cucumbers in addition to seaweed, and earthy and coppery flavors. It even gives you that little hint of Sweet aftertaste. 

If you want to know about the taste of Cooked Oysters, then the taste will be kind of similar with some extra spices and the way you cook it. The addition of spices and the taste of oysters may result in extra flavor. But the taste of the insides will be similar.

However, the taste of Oysters differs from place to place. And not all countries’ Oysters’ tastes are similar.

1.03. Edible Oysters

Furthermore, there are many types and species of edible Oysters. But it is hard to cover all so, here we will provide you just the names of the edible Oysters. These oysters are either available easily or are just preferable. Whatsoever, you must try these oysters mentioned below: –

• Pacific Oysters

• Kumamoto Oysters

• Blue Point Oysters

• Olympia Oysters

• Eastern Oysters

• Well Fleet Oysters

• Stellar Bay Oysters 

• Maldon Rock Oysters

• Belon Oysters

Therefore, these are only the names of the few Oysters you can try. There are many more, but make sure to start with this.

2. What To Eat With Oysters

Many people enjoy Oysters as a solo meal with only some sauce and lemon on the side. Oysters can undoubtedly be eaten as a main course or as a snack. But sometimes you would want to serve this incredible shellfish with something else as a partner right? 

So, this is for all those People who are thinking of what to eat with Oysters. There are so many side dishes that you cook regularly in your kitchen. It’s just that now your cooked or raw Oysters are about to get a suitable pair. 

Furthermore, let’s see the list of dishes we can serve with Oysters and dive into heavenly taste.

2.01. Clam Chowder

This creamy hot delicious Clam soup is a great dish to serve with Oysters. Clam is just like a cousin sister of Oysters. And, when these cousins get together there will be a blast of flavors.

Therefore, Clam Chowder is easy to make. All you need is some clams, vegetables, butter, and cornstarch for creaminess. With just this many ingredients, you can have as much Calm Chowder as you want.

Furthermore, you can season it with salt and black pepper in addition to Bay leaves and fresh herbs.

2.02. Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is healthy for your body. It has low calories with high fiber and Vitamin A. When this dish meets with your oysters, then the taste will double with health benefits.

Just Roast Asparagus along with some olive oil, garlic cloves, and salt and squeeze some lemon juice over it. This easy great dish will accompany your oysters to give you that healthy plus delicious dish.

2.03. Coleslaw

The next side dish you can enjoy with your Oysters is this crunchy and creamy Coleslaw. Coleslaw can be a very healthy, flavorful, and creamy side dish to have with fresh raw oysters.

And it’s very easy to make this as well. You just need to shred some cabbage, onion, and carrots. For some extra and fruity flavor, you can even mix some apples as well.

And after this chopping and shredding stuff is done. Mix all this in Mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and Dijon Mustard. Ahh! The number of flavors, when all these flavors combine and become one single side dish. Then, it will for sure be a great dish to accompany your Oysters.

2.04. Caesar Salad

Fill your plate with this crunchy and green salad. This Caesar Salad is very famous for its healthy and crunchy bite. It has Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, croutons, and garlic in it. With the fine dressing of Parmesan Cheese, egg, Olive oil, Dijon Mustard, Pepper, Salt, lemon juice and anchovies.

You can mix your Oysters in it or just enjoy it as a side dish. Even though it has a lot of flavors, it still won’t dominate the taste of oysters but rather enhance it.

2.05. French Onion Soup

If it’s cold outside and you want some hot soup to accompany your oysters, then go for this one. French Onion soup is an easy meal and won’t even take a lot of ingredients.

You will just need beef broth and as the name suggests Onion. For the extra flavor, add some wine and serve it with the toppings of Croutons and Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Also, garnish it well with some Parsley, pepper, and salt. Enjoy it hot with your soft and cold Oysters balancing the flavors.

2.06. Hush Puppies

This one is a great pair for Oysters. This is a fritter made of corn and is deeply fried. But, if you don’t prefer fried foods then you can even grill or bake this.

These corn Hush Puppies are extremely healthy with low fat and the addition of high fiber. When the richness of Oysters meets with this fibrous Hush Puppies then it will be a balanced full meal.

Furthermore, this dish is very easy to make and for extra flavor, you can use corn, onion, peppers, butter, and Parmesan Cheese. However, the way you want to make and have it, all depends on your preference. But it’s a great side dish that matches well with Oysters.

2.07. Zesty Saltine Crackers

These crackers are amazing and blend well with Raw Oysters. The good thing about these crackers is it’s crispy with the addition of lots of flavors. Don’t worry it’s not going to be too salty.

Hence, it will have that spicy flavor with a good balance of Tanginess. They are soft but crunchy. Enjoy this crunchiness with your soft and smooth raw oysters. If you want more spice in the crackers, then try adding some chili flakes to it.

Above all, this Pair of crackers and oysters is going to be Fantastic.

2.08. Fried Shrimp

Pair this seafood with another seafood. Shrimp is an amazing and tasty seafood. Fry this to pair with your raw oysters and create a classic match.

This crispy with softness is going to pair well with the smooth oysters. You can season your shrimp as well and even serve aioli to have with it. Nonetheless, this duo is going to be great.

2.09. Mac And Cheese

Enjoy your steamed or raw Oysters with this fancy duo of Macaroni and Cheese. This is going to be a creamy plus delicious dish to enjoy with your oysters.

You can make this dish with Macaroni pasta, milk, salt, and creamy Cheddar cheese. Furthermore, for extra flavor, sprinkle some spring onions and a few drops of yellow mustard. You have the advantage of making it as creamy as you want. And enjoy your delicious raw oyster.

2.10. Risotto

Now, this one is going to fill your stomach, but your mouth will want it more and more. Risotto is that Arborio rice dish, that can go well with any seafood and is very delicious. 

This time cook it with our star oyster. You can mix oysters in rice itself, or just use them as a side dish. But try using lobster or oyster broth for extra deliciousness.

Additionally, grade Parmesan cheese over the rice and garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and bay leaves. Also, drizzle some olive oil in it for extra flavor.

2.11. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

So now let’s welcome this light and refreshing salad as the pair of our oysters. You can make this salad with any veggie you want. But for a basic idea, you can use cucumbers, onions, juicy tomatoes, fresh fruits, raisins, and nuts.

However, this dish is really easy to make and pairs well with oysters. For the dressing part, you must use lemon juice and fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, basil, and mint. You can add cheese like goat cheese and feta cheese as well. But, for a light touch, it’s better to skip cheese this time.

Finally, get refreshed with this healthy and lemony couscous in addition to smooth and jiggly oysters.

2.12. Garlic Bread

If you are missing the garlic, then this one is for you. The crispy, flavorful bread with the addition of garlic. This Bread is easy to make, and you can play with seasonings.

All you need is as the name suggests, garlic and bread. Furthermore, place the bread and top it with garlic paste or just chopped ones, butter, or olive oil. For that extra flavor and color, season it with fresh herbs. And after that either bake or grill it as you prefer.

As a result, you will get a flavorful, crunchy bread with soft and silky oysters. Yummy!

3. Sauces for Oysters

However, if you are not looking for side dishes and only want to know the sauces for fresh oysters, then we are here for you. Or, if you want both side dishes with sauces side by side, then it’s also in your favor.

Let’s see the sauces that we can pair with our soft oysters.

3.01. Lemon Aioli Sauce

Lemon is a great partner for raw oysters. It can cover up its saltiness very well. But if you find raw lemon juice very sour, then you can try this sauce.

This sauce is a combination of lime juice, pepper, garlic, mayo, salt and mustard. Quite easy right? But it will taste extremely delicious with raw oysters.

3.02. Mignonette Sauce

The next sauce that will be a great match for oysters is this Classic Mignonette sauce. You may think that this sauce will be hard to make but, it’s not. It’s a very easy sauce with easily accessible ingredients. 

All you need is Vinegar especially red wine vinegar and white vinegar. Then, some shallots, sugar, salt, and fresh black pepper.

Yes, that’s it, if you want to add something else like garlic and spices then you can. But remember, shallots and pepper are a must.

Now, all that is left is to enjoy this sauce with the fresh shucked oysters.

3.03. Horseradish Sauce

It’s time to serve your raw oysters with this creamy sauce. It is really easy to make and all you need for it is horseradish (grate it), ketchup, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

If you want extra creaminess then you can add mayo, mustard, and some cream as well.

Mix all these ingredients and you can also add some hot sauce for spice.

That’s it, very easy, right? Now serve it with your oysters and enjoy.

3.04. Cocktail Sauce

The next sauce that makes our list is Cocktail sauce. This sauce is made by blending ketchup, lemon juice, salt, horseradish sauce, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce.

Very simple right, it may be simple but this sweet and spicy sauce tastes amazing with Raw Oysters and any seafood. So make a quite large batch.

3.05. Pesto Sauce

Indulge in the taste with this duo of Pesto sauce and fresh raw oyster. Pesto sauce is healthy and also takes no time to make. You just need some garlic cloves, fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Blend all these ingredients and add lime juice, hot sauce, and extra Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Now, enjoy this green creamy sauce with smooth and white oysters.

4. Final Note 

In Conclusion, Oysters are seafood without scales and fins. They are very different from other sea creatures. And their taste is also different with a unique texture. We can enjoy all of it as we can enjoy it raw.

Whether you want to enjoy it alone or pair it with some classic sides and sauces. It’s up to you, Oysters are healthy and have a lot of vitamins. It is filled with richness with a unique flavor. These oysters are like a gift from the sea to us.

Lastly, This unique taste and flavors are something. You may get different flavors every time to taste an oyster. Even though it’s really expensive, every penny will be worth it. This is a great seafood that you can eat raw or even steam, grill, and fry. 

It’s still going to taste amazing, and you may want to try it with the side dishes mentioned above. Every dish is going to make a great pair with these fabulous fresh Oysters.

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster – Jonathan Swift.”

Priyana

An English Honours student with a keen interest in writing. I love Reading and writing, and I tend to grow as a writer.