Oysters Rockefeller - The perfect way to enjoy fresh oysters
Is there anything more wonderful on an evening out than sharing fresh raw oysters at your favorite restaurant? Oysters always add something special to any dining experience, and one of the best ways to enjoy raw oysters is by choosing oysters Rockefeller.
Oysters Rockefeller is a wonderful appetizer that really gets any meal off to a great start, and it has been a favored delicacy since they were first invented in 1889 in New Orleans. Named after John D Rockefeller, who was at the time the wealthiest man in America, Oysters Rockefeller is renowned for its rich flavors and green color.
This dish is so good, you really don’t want to restrict it to dining out though, it makes the perfect appetizer for meals at home, and one that your guests will be thoroughly impressed by it too. The good news is that if you have great quality fresh raw oysters, this is a recipe that is relatively easy to cook too.
Oysters Rockefeller Recipe
For the perfect Oysters Rockefeller that will impress everyone, first gather all the ingredients. This starts with some quality fresh raw oysters of course. The better the oysters the better the taste of your appetizer when complete. This recipe is enough for 16 oysters, you can of course change the quantities to suit your needs.
Aside from that vital ingredient, you will also need:
• 1 ½ Tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 oz baby spinach
• ¼ cup white wine
• ½ cup fine breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Lemon Wedges
• Absinthe, Pernod or another anise flavored liqueur
The recipe is simple to make and can be broken down into just a few steps.
1. First heat a pan and add your butter. While the pan is heating mince your garlic, then add it to the melted butter, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic aroma is released. Next add in the spinach, followed by the white wine. Allow it to simmer for around 6 minutes. You will know its ready when the majority of the liquid has evaporated.
2. Empty the contents of the pan into a large bowl, adding in the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Stir well, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Leave to cool.
3. Preheat your oven to about 450°. While the oven is heating, place your fresh raw oysters evenly across a large baking sheet, then spoon the spinach mixture from the bowl onto the oysters, making sure each oyster is covered evenly. Drizzle a little of the absinthe over each one.
4. Place the oysters in the preheated oven and bake until the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown. This should be about 8 minutes.
5. Serve straight from the oven with lemon wedges.
With this simple recipe you can enjoy oysters Rockefeller at home with friends any time you want. It is simple to make but every bit as delicious as you remember.
Oysters Rockefeller with a Twist
Our recipe is for a very traditional style of fresh oyster appetizer, but if you want something a little different, you could try adding bacon into the spinach mixture. Dice the bacon into small pieces before adding to the sauce.
Other versions substitute parsley, celery and chives for spinach, with some claiming that these ingredients were in that first New Orleans dish. However, as the original recipe was never revealed by the chef, it remains a matter of heated debate.
The final option comes from the cooking method, with some preferring to broil rather than bake the fresh oysters. Again, they should be cooked until the breadcrumbs are a golden brown.
The Ultimate Appetizer
While raw oysters are always something special, this recipe takes oysters to a different place. Baked or broiled, the rich sauce combines with the luxurious taste of fresh oysters to create flavors and aromas that turn a starter into a culinary experience.
Enjoy oysters Rockefeller at home with this simple recipe and experience your fresh oysters in a completely new way.