Deviled Oysters Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of deviled oysters, where the briny goodness of oysters meets a rich and savory blend of ingredients, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting. This deviled oysters recipe from lovewithrecipes.com is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without demanding hours of preparation. With a cook time of just 40 minutes and a prep time of 30 minutes, you can have this luxurious dish ready in a little over an hour. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this mouthwatering recipe.
Recipe Overview
Name: Deviled Oysters
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description: Make and share this Deviled Oysters recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
Category: Weeknight
Keywords: Oven, < 4 Hours, Oysters
Servings: Variable (exact number not provided)
Yield: Not specified
Ingredients
To bring this recipe to life, you will need the following ingredients:
- Eggs: 4
- Lemon, rind of: 2
- Green onions: 3
- Celery: 1
- Bell pepper: 6
- Butter: 1 (unspecified quantity; likely tablespoons for sautéing)
- Margarine: 1 (unspecified quantity; likely tablespoons for sautéing)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: To taste
- Butter (for topping): Additional for dotting
- Margarine (for topping): Additional for dotting
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 353.1
- Fat Content: 21.9 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.4 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 221.9 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 461.9 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 19.4 grams
- Fiber Content: 1.5 grams
- Sugar Content: 2.5 grams
- Protein Content: 19.4 grams
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your deviled oysters:
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Prepare the Base:
- Start by crumbling bread into a mixing bowl. This will serve as the foundation for your oyster mixture, adding texture and absorbing flavors.
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Combine Main Ingredients:
- Add the oysters along with their juice to the mixing bowl. The oyster juice infuses the dish with its distinctive oceanic flavor.
- Crack and add the eggs, mixing them thoroughly with the oysters and bread. The eggs act as a binder, ensuring the mixture holds together nicely.
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Add Lemon Rind:
- Grate the rind of two lemons and add it to the mixture. The lemon rind provides a fresh citrusy aroma that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.
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Sauté Vegetables:
- Finely chop the green onions, celery, and bell pepper. These vegetables contribute a delightful crunch and a depth of flavor.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and margarine over medium heat. Sauté the chopped vegetables until they become transparent and soft, releasing their aromatic goodness.
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Combine and Season:
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the oyster mixture. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and a dash of hot sauce for a hint of spice.
- Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
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Cook the Mixture:
- Transfer the entire mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the oysters curl, indicating they are perfectly done.
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Prepare for Baking:
- Spoon the cooked oyster mixture into individual ramekins or a casserole dish. The choice of baking dish allows you to customize portion sizes.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs generously over the top of the mixture. The crumbs add a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy interior.
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Dot with Butter:
- Dot the top with additional butter or margarine. As the dish bakes, the butter will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ramekins or casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the dish is ready when it is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Serving Suggestions
Deviled oysters are versatile and can be served as a luxurious appetizer or a main course. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your dining experience:
- Appetizer: Serve in small ramekins for individual portions. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for a touch of color and freshness.
- Main Course: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the oysters. A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Wine Pairing: Complement the flavors of the deviled oysters with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have the acidity and body to enhance the dish’s complexity.
Tips for Success
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest oysters available for the best flavor. If fresh oysters are not accessible, high-quality canned oysters can be a suitable substitute.
- Grating Lemon Rind: When grating lemon rind, avoid the white pith beneath the skin as it can be bitter. Only the bright yellow outer layer is needed for its aromatic oils.
- Even Cooking: Stirring constantly while cooking the oyster mixture ensures even cooking and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference. For a different twist, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a hint of garlic.
Review and Rating
This deviled oysters recipe has received glowing reviews, boasting an impressive aggregated rating of 5 stars from 6 reviews. Here’s what some of our delighted home cooks have to say:
- Sophia L.: “This recipe is a hit every time I make it! The combination of oysters with the sautéed veggies and the buttery crumb topping is simply irresistible.”
- James R.: “I made these deviled oysters for a dinner party, and they were the star of the evening. Easy to follow recipe and the taste was divine!”
- Martha W.: “I love how this dish feels fancy but is actually quite simple to prepare. The lemon rind adds such a lovely bright note.”
Final Thoughts
Creating a memorable meal doesn’t have to be complicated, and this deviled oysters recipe proves just that. With its perfect blend of rich and tangy flavors, crunchy toppings, and tender oysters, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special meal, deviled oysters are a versatile and delectable choice. Enjoy the process of making this dish, and relish in the delicious rewards it brings to your table.
Bon appétit!
