Smokey Lemon Garlic Grilled Oysters

 

## Smokey Lemon Garlic Grilled Oysters

*Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 5-8 mins | Servings: 4*

### Ingredients

* **2 dozen fresh oysters** (in the shell)

* **1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter**, softened

* **4-5 cloves garlic**, finely minced

* **1 tbsp fresh lemon juice**

* **1 tsp lemon zest**

* **1 tsp smoked paprika** (for that smoky flavor)

* **2 tbsp fresh parsley**, chopped

* **1/2 tsp hot sauce** (optional, like Tabasco)

* **Salt and pepper**, to taste

* **Lemon wedges**, for serving

---

### Instructions

#### 1. Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to **medium-high heat** (about 400°F - 450°F / 200°C - 230°C). You want a hot, direct flame.

#### 2. Make the Smoky Compound Butter

In a small bowl, mix the **softened butter** with the **minced garlic**, **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, **smoked paprika**, **parsley**, and **hot sauce**. Season with **salt** and **pepper**. Mix until well combined.

#### 3. Prep the Oysters

Scrub the **oysters** clean under cold running water.

> **Note:** For the best grilling experience, **shuck the oysters first** (remove the top shell and cut the muscle to detach the oyster from the bottom shell), but leave the oyster sitting in the deep bottom shell. This allows the butter to penetrate the meat instantly.

#### 4. Grill the Oysters

Place the oysters directly onto the grill grates, **cupped side down** (so they don't spill their juices).

Immediately spoon about **1-2 teaspoons** of the smoky butter mixture onto each oyster.

Close the grill lid and cook for **4-6 minutes**, or until the butter is bubbling vigorously and the edges of the oysters begin to curl.

#### 5. Serve

Using tongs, carefully remove the oysters from the grill to a platter (be careful not to spill the hot butter!). Serve immediately with extra **lemon wedges**.

---

### 💡 Tips for Success

* **Safety First:** Wear heat-resistant gloves while handling the hot shells.

* **Keep Them Level:** If you have trouble keeping the oysters level on the grill, you can use a shallow pan filled with **coarse salt** to nestle the oysters into.

* **Don't Overcook:** Oysters are delicate. Once the butter is boiling and the edges curl, they are done.