Grilled South Carolina BBQ Oyster Roast

Introduction

If you’ve never experienced a South Carolina-style BBQ Oyster Roast, you’re in for a true Lowcountry treat. This smoky, bold, and buttery shellfish dish comes to life when grilled on the Arteflame grill. The flat steel cooktop and 1,000F searing center make it easy to cook your oysters evenly without burning while locking in incredible flavor. With an easy fire start and effortless clean-up, this is coastal Southern cooking at its finest—ideal for gatherings or as an appetizer showcase.

Ingredients

• 2 dozen fresh South Carolina oysters, in shell
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Coarse sea salt, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center fire area of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the grill come to temperature, which takes about 20 minutes. You’re ready to grill when the flat cooktop is sizzling hot and the center grate is at 1,000F.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Set aside near the grill to keep warm (no need for extra pans; the flat top can keep things warm).

Step 3: Grill the Oysters

1. Place the oysters cup-side down directly onto the flat cooktop closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Grill for about 5–7 minutes or until the shells begin to slightly open.

Step 4: Add Butter and Finish

1. Carefully pry each oyster open with an oyster knife and spoon a bit of the seasoned butter mixture onto the oyster meat directly in the shell.
2. Place each opened oyster back onto the flat cooktop (shell-up to keep butter in) and let cook for another 1–2 minutes until bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the grilled oysters from the Arteflame. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, fresh parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Keep oysters cold until they hit the grill to preserve freshness.
• Use a thick towel or grill glove when handling hot shells.
• Don’t overcook the oysters; they should be plump and juicy, not shriveled.
• Position oysters in varying heat zones to control cooking speeds.
• Don’t forget to remove other meats from the grill when they are 15°F under final temp—they will continue to cook off-heat.

Variations

1. Lemon-Garlic Oysters: Replace smoked paprika with lemon zest and garlic for a fresh citrus profile.
2. Bacon Jalapeño Oysters: Add a small piece of grilled bacon and slice of jalapeño before finishing the oysters.
3. Parmesan Herb Oysters: Top oysters with grated Parmesan and chopped thyme before the second grill round.
4. Cajun Butter Oysters: Use Cajun seasoning in place of smoked paprika and cayenne for deeper Louisiana flavors.
5. Chipotle-Lime Oysters: Blend chipotle hot sauce and fresh lime juice into the butter for a smoky-tangy zest.

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill makes BBQ oyster roasts easy, fun, and incredibly flavorful. The direct fire heat and flat cooktop provide ideal conditions for grilling oysters without drying them out. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or prepping appetizers for a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to deliver the authentic taste of South Carolina's coast.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn with Cajun butter
• Smoky grilled sausage bites
• Cold beer—preferably a crisp lager or wheat beer
• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé wine
• Garlic grilled bread or hush puppies