North Carolina Grilled Oysters on the Arteflame

Introduction

Nothing captures the bold, coastal flavors of North Carolina more than plump, fresh oysters kissed by flame and bubbling garlic butter. Grilled over the Arteflame’s solid steel flat top and finished with a squeeze of lemon, these NC-Style Grilled Oysters make an incredibly easy and crave-worthy appetizer or main course. Ready in minutes, this recipe uses only the Arteflame grill and a handful of ingredients for maximum flavor and no cleanup. Let's fire up the grill and bring out the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced with a golden sear and rich buttery garlic!

Ingredients

• 12 fresh North Carolina oysters, scrubbed and rinsed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 small lemon, cut into wedges
• Pinch of sea salt
• Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins in the center of the grill.
2. Drizzle with vegetable oil until lightly soaked.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
5. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the cooktop to heat up evenly—hotter near the center, cooler toward the edges.

Step 2: Prepare your garlic butter

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, pinch of sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
2. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: Grill the oysters on the Arteflame

1. Place the oysters flat side up directly on the outer edge of the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle for lower heat exposure.
2. Grill for about 5–7 minutes until the oysters open naturally. Use tongs to help open them slightly further if needed.
3. Using gloves or tongs, carefully pry open each oyster. Leave the oyster meat in the deeper half-shell.

Step 4: Add garlic butter and finish grilling

1. Spoon a small amount (about 1 tsp) of the garlic butter mixture into each opened oyster shell.
2. Slide the oyster shells a bit closer to the center heat zone for 1–2 more minutes until the butter bubbles and sizzles.

Step 5: Serve hot with lemon wedges

1. Remove oysters from the grill using tongs.
2. Place them on a serving platter.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each oyster just before serving.

Tips

• Make sure your grill is level to prevent the oyster juices from spilling.
• Use oysters that are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Don’t overcook—the oysters should be just warmed through and bathed in melted butter.
• Use quality firewood (oak or hickory) for a flavorful wood-smoke aroma.
• Always shuck oysters carefully—protect your hands with a towel or heat-resistant glove.

Variations

1. NC Bacon Bourbon Oysters: Add a strip of cooked bacon and a dash of bourbon-infused butter to each oyster before grilling.
2. Spicy NC Fire Oysters: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes into the garlic butter for more heat.
3. Cheesy NC Oysters: Add grated parmesan or pecorino to the butter then melt it over the flame-kissed shell.
4. NC Smoked Paprika Oysters: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a smoky finish.
5. Lemon-Dill Coastal Oysters: Swap parsley for fresh dill and add lemon zest to the butter for a bright and zesty flavor.

Best pairings

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadine wine
• Cold North Carolina craft beer (lager or wheat beer)
• Grilled cornbread with honey butter on the Arteflame flat top
• Cool cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled citrus slices and grilled peaches on the outer cooktop zone

Conclusion

These North Carolina-style grilled oysters are a celebration of the coast and a showstopper straight off the Arteflame grill. With its high-heat searing center and expansive flat top cooktop, the Arteflame brings out the boldest flavors in every bite. Easy to cook, cleaner than traditional grills, and absolutely delicious, these oysters make for an unforgettable appetizer or light entrée.