Kitchen Hacks

How to Shuck Oysters

by:
January 30, 2013

Inspired by conversations on the FOOD52 Hotline, we're sharing tips and tricks that make navigating all of our kitchens easier and more fun. 

Today: Leave no oyster un-shucked -- no special equipment required.

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Shucking oysters doesn't have to be an extreme sport. See how to pry open any pesky oyster with confidence using one of three simple tools -- including one you almost definitely already have.

Watch our editorial team Kristy, Kristen and Kenzi shuck oysters from start to finish -- safely, and confidently. Just remember: it only takes "a little bit of practice, and a little bit of muscle" to shuck oysters that you can slurp up raw, or grill and top off with Sriracha Lime Butter.

Once you shuck them, here's what to do:

        

Grill them.

Deep fry them. 

Or make a mignonette.

This video was shot and edited by Kyle Orosz

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See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Stephen Cottrell
    Stephen Cottrell
  • hardlikearmour
    hardlikearmour
  • Kristy Mucci
    Kristy Mucci
gheanna

Written by: gheanna

My two (current) favorite foods start with the letter D: doughnuts, and dumplings. If a dish has bacon in it, I will most likely eat it. If I could marry honey butter, I would.

4 Comments

Stephen C. January 25, 2016
Thanks for the clear tutorial. Is the curve at the tip on one knife and not the other a personal preference? Or are there different knives for different types of oysters?
 
hardlikearmour January 30, 2013
Great tutorial, ladies! Now I won't be afraid to buy oysters.
 
Kristy M. January 30, 2013
Thanks, hardlikearmour! I bet you're already a pro at this, though.
 
hardlikearmour January 30, 2013
You would lose that bet! I've literally never shucked an oyster. I didn't eat my first raw oyster until this past summer.