Name: Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 fresh oysters in the shell, scrubbed clean; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving; Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

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Grilled oysters with garlic butter are a smoky, savory indulgence that turns fresh shellfish into something absolutely mouthwatering. I love how the flames kiss the oysters just enough to warm and slightly cook them, while the rich garlic butter melts into every crevice. This is the kind of appetizer I make when I want to impress with minimal effort — it’s fast, flavorful, and feels downright luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together briny oysters, golden garlic, and rich, melted butter in the most irresistible way. The grill adds a subtle smokiness, and the bubbling garlic butter takes things to the next level. It’s simple enough for a casual backyard cookout but elegant enough for a dinner party. Once I tried this method, it became one of my favorite ways to enjoy oysters. Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh oysters in the shell, scrubbed clean
Unsalted butter
Garlic, finely minced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Preheat the grill: I get my grill nice and hot — medium-high heat works best for quick cooking.
Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic. I let it cook for a minute or two until fragrant, then remove it from the heat and mix in chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Shuck the oysters: I carefully shuck each oyster, leaving the meat in the deeper bottom shell and discarding the top. I try to keep as much of the oyster’s natural liquor as possible.
Grill the oysters: I place the oysters directly on the grill grates, shell-side down, and spoon a bit of garlic butter over each one. I close the grill lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the butter is bubbling and the oysters are just cooked through.
Serve: I transfer the oysters to a serving platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 oysters, perfect for 2 to 4 people as an appetizer. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 7 minutes to grill, for a total time of under 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to each oyster before grilling for extra richness and texture. For a spicier version, I mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter. If I want a citrusy twist, I swap the parsley for fresh cilantro and add a bit of lime zest. And when I’m feeling bold, I add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for depth.

Storage/Reheating

These are best enjoyed immediately off the grill. If I have leftovers (which is rare), I refrigerate them and eat them cold or reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. But honestly, grilled oysters are at their best when hot and fresh. Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter

FAQs

Do I have to shuck the oysters before grilling?

I usually do for this recipe, but if I want to skip that step, I grill the oysters whole until they pop open slightly, then carefully finish them with garlic butter inside.

How do I know when oysters are done?

The butter should be bubbling and the oysters will look slightly plump and firm. They don’t take long — usually 5 to 7 minutes on the grill.

Can I make garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it in advance and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. I just reheat it gently before using.

What kind of oysters work best?

I like using medium-sized oysters like Blue Points or Gulf oysters. They’re meaty enough to handle the grill and the buttery topping.

Can I make these in the oven?

Yes, I bake them at 450°F for 7–10 minutes on a baking sheet lined with rock salt or foil to keep them steady.

Conclusion

Grilled oysters with garlic butter are one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh shellfish — simple, smoky, and bursting with flavor. I love how easy they are to make and how impressive they look served hot off the grill. Whether I’m hosting guests or treating myself, this dish always brings a touch of indulgence to the table.