Oysters W / Ginger & Onion Recipe

1. Prepare serving bed

Spread crushed ice on a large serving platter or individual plates to form a stable bed for the oysters. Chill the platter briefly if desired (5–10 minutes).

2. Shuck oysters

Using a clean oyster knife and towel, hold each oyster cup-side down. Insert the knife at the hinge, twist to pop open, slide the knife under the top shell to cut the muscle, discard the top shell. Run the knife under the oyster to detach the bottom muscle but keep oyster in the half shell. Drain any excess liquor if you prefer a less briny presentation, or leave a little for flavor. Arrange oysters on the ice, hinge side down. Keep chilled while you finish the dressing.

3. Place lemon wedges around the oysters for squeezing at the table.

4. Mince and grate aromatics

Finely mince the red onion very small so it won't overpower raw oysters. Finely slice the scallions. Peel and grate the ginger until you have about 2 tablespoons. If using chile instead of chile oil, mince it finely.

5. Combine dressing

In a small mixing bowl combine the grated ginger, minced red onion, sliced scallions, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, sesame oil, granulated sugar, chile oil (or minced chile), kosher salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until sugar dissolves and ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust balance: add up to 1 teaspoon more rice vinegar for brightness, more soy for saltiness, or a pinch more sugar if too tart.

6. Rest to marry flavors

Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes so the onion and ginger soften and flavors meld. If you prefer a colder topping, refrigerate for up to 10 minutes but bring back to near-chilled before serving over oysters.

7. Top oysters

Using a small spoon, place about 1 teaspoon of the ginger & onion dressing onto the meat of each shucked oyster. Do this just before serving to keep the shells cold and the dressing fresh. Garnish with an extra sliver of scallion if desired.

8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and additional hot sauce or mignonette if desired.