Virginia Grilled Chesapeake Bay Oysters

Introduction

Get ready to enjoy the unbeatable flavor of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay grilled oysters cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. This seafood favorite blends the briny sweetness of fresh oysters with a sizzling butter, garlic, and Old Bay drizzle. Cooked directly on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop, the oysters simmer in their own juices while soaking up the smoky char from the live fire. No pots, no pans—just pure grilled flavor and a dish that brings out the best of Virginia’s coastal cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 dozen fresh Virginia Chesapeake Bay oysters, in the shell
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Optional: Hot sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the grill.
2. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto each napkin.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches high heat and the flat cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter drizzle

1. Place the butter directly on the flat griddle cooktop near the outer edge where the heat is gentler.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Mix in Old Bay seasoning and slowly melt into the butter blend.

Step 3: Grill the oysters

1. Place oysters cup-side down on the flat cooktop, closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Allow them to grill for 5-7 minutes. As they cook, the shells will begin to pop open slightly.
3. Use a shucking knife or heatproof gloves to help pry open any that haven't fully opened.

Step 4: Add garlic butter & finish

1. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture into each open oyster shell.
2. Leave oysters on the cooktop for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the butter to bubble and infuse.
3. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of each oyster and remove them from the grill.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Serve hot with lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side for added kick.
2. These pair beautifully with a chilled white wine or a crisp local Virginia lager.

Tips

• Always source the freshest oysters from trusted suppliers for best flavor and safety.
• Use the mid-heat zones of the flat cooktop to slow-heat the butter and control cooking time.
• Never walk away from the grill while the oysters are cooking as they cook fast.
• Wear heatproof gloves when handling hot oyster shells—safety first!
• Add more Old Bay seasoning if you like a stronger spice kick.

Variations

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Oysters: Replace Old Bay with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for a zingy herbal twist.
2. Bacon & Cheddar Oysters: Add a sprinkle of crispy grilled bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar just before serving.
3. Spicy Sriracha Butter: Swap Old Bay for a swirl of sriracha sauce in the butter for heat lovers.
4. Smoky Paprika Garlic Butter: Add smoked paprika to the butter mix for a deep smoky flavor.
5. Parmesan Garlic Oysters: Top oysters with breadcrumbs and shaved Parmesan for a crunchy, cheesy finish.

Best pairings

• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño
• Virginia-style craft lager or pilsner
• Grilled corn with herbed butter (cooked on the flat top)
• Grilled garlic bread crisps (toast bread with butter on the outer cooktop zones)

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill beautifully elevates Virginia Chesapeake Bay oysters into a smoky, buttery delicacy right from the fire. With a crisp sear on the shells and succulent oyster meat simmering in garlic butter, this dish is a true representation of coastal grilling done right. Simple, bold, and mouthwatering—this one’s bound to impress.