Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMax's Oyster BarRaw Bar Display Recipe

Raw Bar Display Recipe

Inspired by Max's Oyster Bar
Time30m
Serves4

Snow crab claws, shrimp and other market crustaceans, perched on a mountain of shaved ice with creative accompaniments

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Ingredients

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Seafood

Method

Seafood Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare Snow Crab Claws

    Place the snow crab claws in a pot of boiling water for approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook Shrimp

    In the same pot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Drain well and set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare Oysters

    If not pre-shucked, shuck the oysters carefully and place them on a tray. Keep them chilled until ready to serve.

  4. 4

    Cook Lobster Tails

    Boil lobster tails in salted water for 6-8 minutes. Remove from water and allow to cool slightly before slicing them in half lengthwise.

Accompaniments Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare Cocktail Sauce

    In a bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Mix well and set aside.

  2. 6

    Melt Butter

    In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep warm until serving.

  3. 7

    Prepare Lemon Wedges

    Cut the lemons into wedges and place them on a serving platter.

  4. 8

    Chop Fresh Herbs

    Finely chop the fresh herbs and set aside for garnishing.

Presentation

  1. 9

    Assemble the Display

    In a large serving platter or shallow bowl, create a bed of shaved ice. Arrange the seafood (snow crab claws, shrimp, oysters, and lobster tails) artistically on top of the ice.

  2. 10

    Add Accompaniments

    Place small bowls of cocktail sauce and melted butter on the platter. Scatter lemon wedges around and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the display.

  3. 11

    Garnish

    Add edible flowers or seaweed as a final touch for visual appeal, enhancing the presentation of the raw bar display.

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