Description
This recipe features fresh oysters grilled to perfection and topped with a decadent smoky uni butter made from sea urchin roe, butter, smoked paprika, and garlic. The unique combination of smoky, umami-rich uni butter and juicy grilled oysters makes for an elegant and flavorful appetizer perfect for seafood lovers looking to impress at a barbecue or dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
Oysters
- 12 fresh oysters in the shell, scrubbed clean
Smoky Uni Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons uni (sea urchin roe)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Coarse salt or rock salt (optional, for stabilizing oysters on the grill)
Instructions
- Prepare the Uni Butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, uni, smoked paprika, grated garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up slightly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and ready for cooking.
- Shuck the Oysters: Carefully open the oysters, making sure to retain as much of the oyster liquor inside the shell as possible for flavor and moisture during grilling.
- Top with Uni Butter: Spoon a small amount of the smoky uni butter onto each oyster, evenly spreading it over the oyster meat.
- Arrange on Grill: Place the oysters on a bed of coarse or rock salt on a grill-safe tray or directly on the grill grates if stable. The salt helps keep the oysters level and prevents tipping.
- Grill the Oysters: Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the uni butter has melted, is bubbling, and the oysters are just cooked through but still plump.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the oysters from the grill, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- If uni is unavailable, anchovy paste can be used as a substitute for a different but umami-rich flavor profile.
- Be careful not to overcook the oysters; they should remain juicy and tender.
- Serving the oysters with crusty bread is recommended to soak up the flavorful uni butter.
