Description
Ina Garten’s easy oysters rockefeller combines rich spinach with succulent oysters for a classic appetizer. Coastal flavors merge seamlessly, promising delightful culinary memories for seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oysters (very fresh, on the half shell)
- 55 g (4 tbsps) unsalted butter
- 50 g (½ cup) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 50 g (½ cup) Gruyère cheese (grated)
- ½ cup shallots (finely chopped, about 2 large)
- 255 g (9 oz) Seabrook frozen creamed spinach (defrosted)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) Pernod liqueur
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper (freshly ground)
- Fleur de sel or sea salt (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Crumple aluminum foil to create a stable base on a baking tray, ensuring oyster shells sit level and retain natural juices.
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in an 8-inch sauté pan over medium heat, then introduce finely chopped shallots. Caramelize for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown, developing a rich aromatic base.
- Liquid Infusion: Add Pernod to the shallot mixture, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Simmer briefly to concentrate flavors and create a harmonious blend.
- Spinach Integration: Fold fresh spinach into the aromatic mixture, cooking until leaves wilt and absorb the liquid. Adjust seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Cheese Topping: Distribute spinach blend evenly across oyster shells, then generously sprinkle Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses to create a luxurious protective layer.
- Final Baking: Preheat oven to 230°C / 450°F. Bake oysters for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts and spinach becomes piping hot, maintaining the oysters’ delicate texture.
- Serving: Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and flavor integrity.
Notes
- Prep Surface Strategically: Crumple aluminum foil to create a stable, level base preventing oyster shells from tipping and preserving their natural juices during cooking.
- Develop Flavor Layers: Slowly caramelize shallots to unlock deep, golden-brown sweetness, which builds a rich foundation for the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Control Liquid Reduction: Simmer Pernod carefully to concentrate flavors and prevent overwhelming the delicate oyster essence, ensuring a balanced, refined taste.
- Master Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese generously but evenly, allowing it to create a golden, luxurious crust that protects and enhances the oyster’s delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg