Grilled Florida Apalachicola Oysters with Garlic Butter

Introduction

There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh Florida Apalachicola oysters grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The combination of smoky firewood, buttery garlic goodness, and a touch of Parmesan creates an irresistible dish. These oysters grill evenly on the flat-top cooktop, sizzling in their own juices until tender and bursting with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe will bring the taste of the Gulf Coast to your backyard.

Ingredients

• 2 dozen fresh Apalachicola oysters, in the shell
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Wood logs for the Arteflame grill

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat-top cooktop is sizzling hot.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter

1. Melt the butter in a small dish.
2. Mix in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Shuck the oysters

1. Carefully shuck the fresh Apalachicola oysters, keeping as much of the briny liquid inside the shell as possible.
2. Place the oysters in their half-shells directly onto the flat-top cooktop, ensuring they lie flat to prevent juices from spilling.

Step 4: Grill the oysters

1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture over each oyster.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan over the top.
3. Let the oysters cook on the hot griddle for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and forms a bubbly, golden crust.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Carefully remove the oysters from the grill using tongs.
2. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges.
3. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors.

Tips

• Use the inner hotter part of the griddle for a faster sear, then move the oysters outward if needed to control the cooking process.
• For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
• Always grill oysters in their shells to retain their natural briny flavor and moisture.

Variations

• Spicy Creole Oysters: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the garlic butter mixture for a flavorful kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Oysters: Dice cooked crispy bacon and sprinkle over the oysters before grilling.
• Herb-Infused Oysters: Mix in fresh thyme and chives with garlic butter for a fragrant twist.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Oysters: Top each oyster with a small slice of jalapeño and a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Lemon Butter Oysters: Replace standard garlic butter with lemon zest-infused melted butter for a fresh citrus note.

Best Pairings

• Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the buttery oysters perfectly.
• Beer: A citrusy wheat beer or a light lager pairs well with the smoky grilled flavor.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh arugula salad or grilled crusty bread to sop up the flavorful juices.

Conclusion

Grilled Florida Apalachicola Oysters are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the oysters while adding a smoky, buttery richness. Grilling them on the Arteflame ensures an even cook, keeping the oysters juicy and flavorful. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these oysters will impress your guests and bring the taste of the Florida coast to your table.