How to Correctly Shuck Oysters

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By christinaj
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If you have ever cooked oysters yourself, you know that one of the hardest parts is getting the oyster shell open, otherwise know as shucking. Although the mechanics of shucking an oyster are not complicated, there are a few tips that you should follow to make the process of shucking oysters easier. Following these instructions will have you eating oysters on the half shell in no time at all.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Oysters
Oyster Knife
Hand Towel

Step 1

If you are a novice, place a hand towel in the palm of your non-dominant hand. This is to protect you from being cut by the oyster knife and because oysters contain juice that can be very messy.
Step 2

Place the oyster on top of the towel in your hand. The hinge of the oyster should be facing towards your wrist.
Step 3

Place the oyster knife in your dominant hand and slide the blade in between the top and bottom of the shell. The easiest place to do this is at hinge, although you can place the knife elsewhere if it's easier for you.
Step 4

With the knife inserted between the shells, rotate the wrist holding the blade approximately 90 degrees.
Step 5

If you find the shell still won't open, run the knife all the way around the shell from seam to seam and then try to open it again.
Step 6

Use the oyster knife to cut the oyster out of the shell.