Lately I've been obsessed with ordering a plate of the fresh Bald Point, Washington oysters sold by Shucks Oyster Bar each week at the Altadena Farmers Market.
Last Wednesday I stopped by the market for my weekly oyster fix and a chance to learn a few shucking techniques from the owner. For those who have never shucked...it's trickier, and a little more dangerous than it seems!
I somehow managed to survive my shucking experience with all ten fingers and only a small bit of oyster shell in my hair. I would say it was a shucking success! Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Start with a freshly washed and scrubbed oyster, a rubber glove, and sharp shucking knife.
Step 2: Tightly hold the oyster cup side down with hinge facing toward you. Firmly insert the oyster knife through the hinge, angling the blade down into the cup of the oyster until you feel the knife stick. This takes a lot of pressure!
Step 3: When the knife is firmly stuck into the oyster, start to twist knife to pry open shell until it pops open.
Step 4: Cut along the top inside of the shell to cut connective muscles that hold shell closed. After cutting you should be able to open the shell.
Step 5: Run your knife under the meat of the oyster making sure it is completely loosened from shell.
Serving Oysters: Fresh oysters are delicious served on the half shell over a bed of ice with just a squeeze of lemon. You can also dress them up with a simple mignonette sauce, horseradish or sriracha for a spicy kick! Personally I like my oysters extra spicy. How do you like your oysters?
Shucks oysters are available at the Sunset Strip Farmers Market & the Altadena Farmers Market.
{Photos taken by Joanne Pio for Freutcake. You can read more about Joanne on my about page!}
Jacquelyn | lark & linen says
There's a restaurant beside out condo known for their seafood and oysters. Sometimes I just sit there and watch their shucker get to it at the bar. It's AMAZING. Such a great skill!
freutcake says
It really is amazing to watch someone who knows what they are doing! I was quite slow myself. 😉
Lisa says
There are a lot of places here in DC that offer oysters for surprisingly cheap, and I don't take advantage of them enough! I like the oysters slightly sweet and dressed with something vinegary. Mmm, now I want oysters.
freutcake says
Yum! I love a nice mignonette sauce as well!
Erin Turner says
Love oysters too; these look especially delicious. Great post, Leah. Love the photos and styling!
freutcake says
Thank you so much Erin!
Brandi says
Enough with the shucking, how did you get your hair like that?!!!
freutcake says
Haha! I use a barrel curling iron. When my hair was longer I made this video on how I curl my hair: https://www.freutcake.com/beauty-2/classic-curls/ Even though my hair is much shorter now, I still use the exact same technique. 🙂
Ann says
Can I just go with you to the farmer's market next time and enjoy the fruits (de la mer, har har) of your expertise?
freutcake says
Haha! It's a date! 🙂 Let's do it soon.
audrinajulia says
I crave for oyster seeing this post. On the other note love your nail color.
<3,
Angie
audrinajulia.blogspot.com
freutcake says
Thank you Audrina! It's OPI, Big Apple Red. p.s. I crave oysters all the time! 😉
Christy @ My Invisible Crown says
Huh! I never knew the steps to chucking oysters. I always see the guys behind the bar with that glove on but never really thought much about it. That plate with the prepared oysters ready to devour looks amazing!!
Christin says
I wish I wasn't allergic 🙁
Katie @ Strawberry Freckle says
You look AMAZING!!
jenserafini says
This is great - My husband and I brought oysters home and I had to leave the shucking to him! It was definitely more difficult than we thought it would be
jenny says
this is totally out of point, but i love your nail colour! where from? 😀
freutcake says
Thanks Jenny! It's OPI, Big Apple Red. Best red polish ever!
jenny says
awesome! gonna get my hands on that too! thx!! 🙂
Michelepratadesignerlifestyle says
Whammmo! You got it! Both my boyfriend Richard and I went crazy eating as many oysters as we could at numerous oyster bars dotted all over NOLA back in April and we would watch the shucking going on and learn! But you have courage my dear;)