Elevate Your Dinner with Ina Garten’s Grilled Oysters Recipe

Oysters sizzle with vibrant flavor in this delectable Ina Garten grilled oysters with lemon dill butter recipe that promises to wow seafood lovers.

Fresh shellfish meet a zesty herbal butter that melts perfectly over hot grilled surfaces.

The combination of tangy lemon and fresh dill creates an irresistible aroma that beckons every palate.

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the oysters while infusing them with smoky undertones.

Each bite delivers a burst of ocean-fresh goodness enhanced by rich, aromatic butter.

The recipe balances simplicity with elegant taste, making it ideal for summer gatherings or intimate dinners.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of perfectly grilled seafood.

Step-by-Step: Ina Garten’s Grilled Oyster Prep

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty butter mixture by blending fresh garlic, bright dill, tangy lemon zest, and citrusy juice with creamy butter. The combination will infuse incredible richness into each oyster.

• Oyster Preparation

Select fresh, high-quality oysters and arrange them carefully on a clean surface. Generously top each oyster with the herb-packed butter blend, ensuring an even coating.

• Grill Setup

Prepare a hot grill with crumpled aluminum foil to create stable platforms for delicate oyster shells. The foil prevents tipping and helps distribute heat evenly.

• Grilling Magic

Place buttered oysters onto the foil-covered grill surface. Close the lid and let the heat work its transformative power, allowing butter to melt and oysters to become warm and succulent.

• Finishing Touch

Remove oysters from the grill when butter begins to bubble and edges look slightly golden. Sprinkle with delicate sea salt to enhance their natural oceanic flavor. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Flavor Additions for Grilled Oysters with Dill Butter

• Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon to customize the compound butter's flavor profile.
• Choose freshly shucked oysters with deep, cup-like shells to hold the maximum amount of herbed butter for a more decadent bite.
• If grilling isn't possible, broil oysters in the oven for 3-4 minutes or bake at 450°F until butter bubbles and oysters are heated through.
• Add a dash of white wine, splash of hot sauce, or sprinkle of smoked paprika to the butter for an unexpected flavor twist.
• Pair these grilled oysters with a crisp white wine, champagne, or light beer to complement the rich, buttery seafood.

Serve Oysters the Ina Garten Way

• Pair With Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate oyster flavor with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lemon dill butter.
• Create Appetizer Spread: Arrange grilled oysters on a rustic wooden board surrounded by crusty baguette slices, lemon wedges, and fresh dill sprigs for an elegant presentation.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped dill or chives on top of hot oysters to boost the herbal notes and provide a bright, green finishing touch.
• Serve With Chilled Accompaniment: Offer a small side of cold cucumber salad or citrus-dressed greens to balance the warm, rich grilled oysters and provide a refreshing contrast.

Oyster Storage and Prep Tips from Ina

• Advance Prep Strategy: Whip up the lemon dill butter 3-4 days before grilling and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum flavor development.
• Smart Oyster Selection: Purchase fresh oysters the same day you plan to grill, checking for tightly closed shells and fresh ocean scent to ensure quality and safety.
• Quick Refrigeration Tips: After cooking, cool grilled oysters to room temperature, then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Safe Seafood Handling: Keep raw oysters chilled at 40°F or below before cooking, and consume immediately after grilling for the best taste and food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter

• Oysters: Fresh, briny gems that shine when sourced from reputable seafood markets with high turnover, selecting tightly closed shells indicating freshness.

• Unsalted Butter: Creamy foundation that carries herb and citrus flavors, selecting high-quality European-style butter for richer taste.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb bringing bright, herbaceous notes, choosing vibrant green fronds with no wilting.
• Garlic: Aromatic punch that elevates the butter's complexity, selecting firm, plump cloves without sprouting.
• Lemon: Zesty citrus that adds bright acidity, picking firm, heavy fruits with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances flavors, choosing coarse crystals for better control and distribution.
• Black Pepper: Subtle warmth that complements seafood, selecting whole peppercorns to grind fresh for maximum flavor.

• Sea Salt or Fleur de Sel: Delicate mineral crystals that provide final flavor burst and elegant texture, selecting pure, unrefined varieties.

Tools to Grill Oysters Like Ina

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for perfectly blending lemon dill butter ingredients.
• Sheet Pan: Helps arrange and prepare oysters before grilling.
• Charcoal or Gas Grill: Primary cooking equipment for grilling oysters.
• Aluminum Foil: Creates a stable surface to keep oyster shells level during grilling.
• Tongs: Useful for carefully transferring oysters to and from the grill.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to zest the lemon for the butter.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Serving Platter: For presenting the finished grilled oysters.

Zesty Ina Garten Grilled Oysters With Lemon Dill Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grilled oysters with lemon dill butter offer a luxurious seafood experience from coastal kitchens. Grill masters can easily prepare this delicate dish with fresh oysters, bright herbs, and rich butter for an elegant appetizer that impresses guests.

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Ingredients

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• 24 large fresh oysters (shucked and on the half shell)
• ¼ lb (115g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp (5g) minced garlic
• 1 tsp (5g) minced fresh dill
• 1 tsp (5g) grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Sea salt or fleur de sel (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, ensuring even temperature distribution across the cooking surface.
2. Herb Butter Creation: Whip butter with garlic, dill, lemon zest, and juice in an electric mixer until smoothly blended, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Oyster Preparation: Position oysters on a sheet pan, generously topping each with herbed butter mixture.
4. Grilling Setup: Construct a stable cooking platform by crumpling aluminum foil across grill grates to support oyster shells.
5. Cooking Process: Transfer butter-laden oysters onto foil, close grill lid with ventilation open, and cook for 2-3 minutes until butter bubbles and oysters are thoroughly heated.
6. Serving: Plate grilled oysters, garnish with premium sea salt, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Maintain Grill Balance: Create a stable surface by crumpling aluminum foil to prevent oyster shells from tipping and losing precious butter.
• Butter Preparation Tip: Ensure butter is thoroughly softened and blended to achieve a smooth, even distribution of herbs and seasonings across each oyster.
• Precise Cooking Time: Watch carefully during the 2-3 minute grilling window to prevent overcooking, which can make oysters rubbery and tough.
• Serving Strategy: Serve oysters immediately after grilling to capture the peak of flavor and temperature, preserving the delicate texture and aromatic herb butter.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg