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Barbecued Oysters with Smoky Uni Butter Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 oysters
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American, Japanese Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delight in the rich and smoky flavors of Barbecued Oysters with Smoky Uni Butter, a delicious seafood appetizer that combines fresh oysters grilled to perfection and topped with a luxurious, umami-packed sea urchin butter. Enhanced with smoky paprika and a hint of cayenne, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, ideal for grilling season or any special gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Oysters

  • 12 fresh oysters, scrubbed and on the half shell

Smoky Uni Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons uni (sea urchin roe)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Garnish & Serving

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Rock salt or crumpled foil (for stabilizing oysters on the grill)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Uni Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, uni, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up slightly, ensuring it will melt nicely over the hot oysters.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook oysters quickly and evenly.
  3. Stabilize the Oysters: Spread rock salt or crumpled foil on a tray or grill-safe surface to create a stable base for the oysters, preventing them from tipping and spilling their valuable juices during grilling.
  4. Grill the Oysters: Arrange the oysters on the prepared grill surface. Grill them for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges of the oyster meat start to curl slightly, indicating they are just cooked through.
  5. Top with Uni Butter: Quickly place about 1 teaspoon of the chilled uni butter onto each hot oyster, allowing it to melt over the seafood for about 30 seconds, enriching the flavor and adding a smoky, creamy finish.
  6. Serve: Remove oysters from the grill, sprinkle with finely chopped chives, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, acidic contrast.

Notes

  • If fresh uni is unavailable, anchovy paste can be used as a substitute, or omit it entirely and increase smoked paprika for added depth.
  • Ensure oysters are very fresh and kept cold until grilling to maintain their quality and safety.

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Find it online: https://breakfasttodinner.com/barbecued-oysters-with-smoky-uni-butter-recipe/