Grilled Oysters with Parsley and Garlic Butter

Name: Grilled Oysters with Parsley and Garlic Butter
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H45M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT2H55M0.000S
Yield: 4 appetizer servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1 tablespoon white wine; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, minced; Salt and black pepper; 2 dozen oysters; Rock salt, for broiling; Crusty bread, for serving

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Not surprisingly, one traditional French topping for grilled oysters involves a creamy bechamel sauce with cheese. The dish--called Oysters a la Mornay--is delicious but a bit heavy. I prefer a lighter, though just as rich (and French), topping for my grilled oysters. Inspired by Escargots a la Bourguignonne, these oysters are drowned in the sinful, garlicky butter normally used for snails. Don't forget the bread!

Level: Intermediate

Total: 2 hr 55 min (includes chilling time)
Active: 45 min

Yield: 4 appetizer servings

Level: Intermediate

Total: 2 hr 55 min (includes chilling time)
Active: 45 min

Yield: 4 appetizer servings

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon white wine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 shallot, minced

Salt and black pepper

2 dozen oysters

Rock salt, for broiling

Crusty bread, for serving

Directions

Special equipment:

an oyster knife

Mix together the butter, parsley, white wine, garlic, shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap over a work surface and mound the butter mixture in the center. Fold the plastic over the butter and form into a log. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Set the oven broiler on medium-high heat.
Rinse the oysters in cold water and discard any open ones.
Shuck the oysters: Using a thick tea towel, hold an oyster firmly in one hand with the flat side facing up. With your other hand, insert an oyster knife into the oyster's hinge, easing it in where you can; make sure the hand holding the oyster is well protected by the towel. Once you feel the knife firmly anchored in the hinge, twist it to pop open the oyster. Clean your knife and then slide it along the top shell to release the muscle from the shell. Remove and discard the top shell. Run the knife under the oyster so the oyster is resting in the bottom shell but is no longer attached to it--this ensures the oyster will easily slide into your mouth when eaten. Discard any oysters that have an unpleasant odor.
Cover an oven-safe serving dish with a layer of rock salt. Gently nestle the shells into the salt so they won't slide around while broiling. Top each oyster with a slice of the compound butter. Broil until the butter is melted, golden and bubbling at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
Serve immediately with some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.