Easy Way to Shuck Oysters
Raw oysters are considered a delicacy by many and are often served at fancy dinner buffets and parties. Opening the oysters can be puzzling to people who are not familiar with the process. Shucking oysters is a relatively simple process but is made much easier with the proper tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Slip the shucking gloves over your hands to protect them from the knife and from the sharp edges of the oyster shells. If you do not have shucking gloves, drape a towel over one hand to hold the oyster.
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Hold the oyster shell in your nondominant hand. Slip the shucking knife between the shells close to the back hinge. Run the knife all the way around the shell opening all the way to the other side. Work slowly and carefully and, if you run into a difficult spot, twist the knife slightly to open the shell wider.
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When you reach the other side, twist the knife carefully, prying the two sides of the shell apart. Hold your arm steady so that the liquid inside the shell does not pour out. It may take some muscle to pry the shell apart. If you run into difficulty, try running the knife all the way around the shell once more.
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Cut the underside of the oyster free from the shell. There is a small knot of muscle where the oyster attaches to the shell. Once this muscle is severed, you can scoop out the oyster.
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Use a scooping motion with the knife or use a small oyster fork to remove it for eating. You can drink the oyster liquid right from the shell. If you are using shucked oysters for a recipe, proceed according to its directions.
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Tips & Warnings
When purchasing oysters, do not pick oysters that have a fishy smell. The oyster shells should be closed. If one is open, tap it near the back of the shell. It should close immediately. If it doesn't, this means it isn't fresh. Do not purchase oysters that are not fresh, as they can harbor bacteria.
References
- Photo Credit oyster image by Filip Mazurek from Fotolia.com
