Cozy Up with Barefoot Contessa’s Oyster Stew Recipe

Oyster stew emerges as a maritime masterpiece, weaving oceanic whispers into every creamy spoonful.

Seafood lovers crave this luxurious recipe that captures coastal essences with elegant simplicity.

Briny shellfish mingle with velvety cream, creating a harmony of flavors that dances across your palate.

Salt-kissed ingredients transform into a comforting embrace of culinary tradition.

Generations of coastal kitchens have perfected this delicate balance between ocean and hearth.

Each ingredient tells a story of maritime heritage and pure gastronomic passion.

This stew promises to transport you directly to windswept shorelines with its rich, soul-warming magic.

Adjusting Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew to Taste

• Enhance Oyster Selection: Choose fresh, plump oysters from reputable seafood markets. Look for tightly closed shells and a clean, briny smell. Smaller oysters work best for this creamy stew, providing tender bites.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild flavor, or add more for a spicier kick. Red pepper flakes offer another great alternative for heat lovers.
• Boost Herb Complexity: Experiment with fresh herbs beyond parsley. Thyme or tarragon add elegant depth to the stew. Chop herbs finely to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
• Create Texture Variations: Transform the stew by adding crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top. Diced potatoes can provide extra heartiness for a more substantial meal. Serve with crusty sourdough bread for perfect dipping.

Ways to Serve Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the rich, creamy broth and capture every delicious drop of the oyster stew.
• Add Fresh Herbs Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a fresh, bright flavor that complements the seafood's richness.
• Create a Cozy Dinner Setting: Serve in deep, warm bowls alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate oyster flavors and create a comforting meal experience.
• Complement with Light Salad: Prepare a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the stew's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich seafood dish.

Save and Reheat Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover oyster stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood-based dishes are best consumed quickly to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the stew gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation of the creamy base. Avoid microwaving, which can make oysters tough and rubbery.
• Freezing Caution: Cream-based stews don't freeze well due to potential texture changes. For best results, enjoy the dish fresh or refrigerate for a short period.
• Serving Suggestion: Keep serving bowls warm before plating to maintain the stew's temperature and creamy consistency. Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew

• Butter: Look for high-quality, unsalted butter with rich, creamy texture for deeper flavor complexity.
• Flour: Choose all-purpose flour for smooth thickening and consistent texture.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning and clean mineral taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Pick fresh, vibrant ground cayenne for gentle heat and warm undertones.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground black pepper to maximize aromatic intensity.

• Onions: Select firm, crisp onions with smooth skin for sweet, robust base flavor.
• Celery: Choose bright green, crisp stalks with minimal blemishes for fresh crunch.
• Garlic: Pick plump, firm garlic cloves with tight, unbroken skin for sharp, pungent notes.

• Fresh Oysters: Source live, tightly closed oysters from reputable seafood markets with clean, briny scent.
• Milk: Select whole milk for rich, creamy consistency and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Parsley: Grab bright green, fresh parsley with vibrant leaves for clean, herbaceous finish.

Gear Needed for Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew

• Large sauté pan: Spacious, sturdy cooking vessel for preparing the stew.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending butter and flour smoothly.
• Cutting board: Flat surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Precision tool for dicing onions, celery, garlic, and parsley.
• Measuring cups: Accurate utensils for measuring milk and liquid ingredients.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the creamy oyster stew into warm bowls.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tools for adding salt and pepper seasonings.

Instructions to Make Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew

• Prepare the Base Blend Butter and Flour

Heat butter in a large pan over medium warmth. Whisk flour into melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden-hued roux that releases a nutty aroma.

• Transform Vegetables with Flavor

Introduce chopped onions and celery into the buttery foundation. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a delectable flavor base for the stew.

• Craft the Creamy Liquid Symphony

Pour milk and reserved oyster liquid into the pan. Sprinkle in seasonings like salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the flavors dance and intertwine into a harmonious blend.

• Welcome the Seafood Stars

Gently fold fresh oysters, minced garlic, and chopped parsley into the creamy liquid. Let the oysters cook until they curl slightly, signaling their perfect tenderness and absorbing the rich surrounding flavors.

• Elevate and Serve the Stew

Swirl in a final touch of butter, creating a luxurious sheen. Ladle the steaming stew into warm bowls, ensuring each serving showcases plump oysters swimming in a velvety, aromatic broth. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s oyster stew blends coastal comfort with rich New England tradition. Creamy pearl-like oysters swim in a delicate broth that welcomes winter’s gentle warmth, inviting you to savor coastal simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 dozen oysters (shucked and drained, reserve liquid)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter (4 tbsps for cooking, 2 tbsps for finishing)
• 2 tbsps (16 g) flour
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onions
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped celery
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• ¼ cup (15 g) finely chopped parsley
• Salt (to taste)
• Cayenne pepper (to taste)
• Fresh black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Roux Preparation: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat, whisking flour continuously until a golden, aromatic paste forms with a nutty complexity, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce diced onions and celery to the roux, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their delicate aromatics, creating a flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour milk and oyster liquid into the pan, seasoning with salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Simmer gently, stirring periodically to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent burning.
4. Seafood Incorporation: Add fresh oysters, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the simmering liquid. Cook until oyster edges curl and seafood is perfectly tender, indicating optimal doneness.
5. Final Refinement: Remove from heat, swirl in remaining butter to create a luxurious, glossy texture. Carefully ladle the maritime-inspired stew into warmed serving bowls, presenting a rich and comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Master the Roux: Create a golden, smooth base by whisking flour into melted butter slowly, ensuring no lumps form and developing a rich, nutty flavor.
• Vegetable Precision: Dice onions and celery uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture in the stew’s foundation.
• Simmer Gently: Maintain a low, steady heat to prevent milk from scorching and to allow flavors to meld seamlessly without curdling.
• Oyster Timing: Add oysters at the last moment to preserve their delicate texture, removing from heat the instant edges start to curl to avoid overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 80mg