Shucking oysters can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips!
Why do you need to shuck oysters? This task is to open the oysters and reach the meat inside. You can use a table knife, an oyster knife, and even a flat head screwdriver; you just need one tool to work. Oven mitts, rags, and kitchen towels also help you hold onto the oyster you want to eat. What else should you do? It’s time to find out.
Get Fresh Oysters
Getting fresh oysters is key to having an enjoyable experience. One way to keep your oysters fresh is to keep them on ice. Buy the oysters on the same day as you want to eat them – and if you decide to come on down to Costas Inn, you already know that we can provide you with the freshest and most delicious oysters.
Insert the Knife Between the Shells
The next step is to put your knife or other tools between the oyster shells. Then hold the oyster with the flat side up while holding onto the cupped side. Find the hinge in the shell. Also, try putting the oyster down on a flat surface and pry the shells open if that is easier, safer, and more comfortable for you.
Pull It Open
Twisting the blade will let you open the hinge. Make sure you don’t tilt the oysters while shucking, or else the juice might spill out and cause a big mess. Slide the knife or your tool as carefully as you can so you don’t slice the oyster itself to ribbons.
Repeat and then Serve
Now the shell is open! Cutting or scraping the meat off is the best way to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Shucking knives and paring knives can also prise the oyster off of the bottom shell as well. Although the oyster juice sounds unappealing, that’s far from the truth – it’s actually quite tasty. Put the oysters on a tray full of crushed ice. Use lemon juice, hot sauce, or cocktail sauce to pump the flavor up a notch!
YOUR SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for any time eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!