Oysters in Asian Cuisine: How to Open, Prepare & Cook Them to Perfection

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 4, 2022

Oysters are delicious, but can be quite intimidating to cook with or eat. But don’t worry, we’re going to cover everything you need to know to get started.

Oysters are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, especially Chinese dishes. They’re known for their briny taste and hint of sweetness. Some of the most popular oyster dishes are steamed oysters with soy dressing, oyster sauce, and shaoxing oyster stir-fry.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about oysters in Asian cuisine.

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Get to Know the Mighty Oyster

Oysters are bivalve mollusks that live in saltwater or brackish water. They are known for their hard, rough shells that protect their soft, delicate bodies. These shellfish are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese dishes. Oysters are often consumed raw, steamed, or fried, and they can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings.

Shucking Oysters: The Half Twist Method

Opening an oyster may seem daunting, but with a little practice, it can be done with ease. Here’s how to shuck an oyster using the half twist method:

• Hold the oyster with a towel or glove to protect your hand.
• Insert an oyster knife into the hinge of the shell.
• Twist the knife to pop the shell open.
• Run the knife along the top of the shell to separate the oyster from the bottom shell.
• Remove any bits of shell and loosen the oyster from the bottom shell.

The Flavors of Oysters

Oysters have a unique flavor that varies depending on their origin and the water they were grown in. Asian oysters are known for their rich, briny taste with a hint of sweetness. Some popular oyster flavors include:

• Shao Hsing: A Chinese oyster with a light, sweet flavor.
• Red Onion: A mixed oyster with a classic, briny taste.
• Sesame: A vegetarian oyster with a nutty, savory flavor.
• Spring Juice: A live oyster with a light, refreshing taste.

Asian Oyster Dishes

Oysters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Asian dishes. Here are some delicious oyster dishes to try:

• Steamed Oysters with Soy Dressing: A classic Chinese dish that combines steamed oysters with a savory soy dressing.
• Oyster Sauce: A popular condiment made from oysters, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
• Shaoxing Oyster Mushroom Stir-Fry: A vegetarian dish that combines oyster mushrooms with Shaoxing wine for a rich, flavorful sauce.

Get Creative with Asian Oyster Dishes

When it comes to preparing oysters, the dressing you use can make all the difference. Here are some common oyster dressings you can find in Asian cuisine:

• Soy and Ginger Dressing: This dressing uses soy sauce, ginger, and sugar to create a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh oysters.
• Shaoxing Wine Dressing: Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is often used in cooking. When mixed with soy sauce, sugar, and ginger, it creates a flavorful dressing that is perfect for steamed oysters.
• Red Onion Dressing: This dressing uses finely sliced red onion, soy sauce, and sugar to create a simple yet delicious flavor that allows the natural taste of the oyster to shine through.

Preparing Oysters for Different Dishes

Depending on the dish you want to create, there are different methods for preparing oysters. Here are some common ways to prepare oysters for Asian dishes:

• Steamed Oysters: To steam oysters, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until the shells open. Serve them plain or dressed with your favorite dressing.
• Shucked Oysters: Shucked oysters are perfect for dishes like oyster sauce beef or seafood dinners. To shuck an oyster, use a knife to break the hinge of the shell and then slide the knife along the inside of the shell to release the oyster.

Cooking with Oysters

Oysters can be used in a variety of dishes to add a unique flavor and texture. Here are some popular Asian oyster recipes:

• Oyster Sauce Beef: This dish uses oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to create a sweet and savory sauce that is perfect for stir-frying with beef and vegetables.
• Spicy Oyster Soup: This soup uses fresh oysters, ginger, and hot peppers to create a spicy and flavorful broth that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
• Oyster Fried Rice: This dish uses shucked oysters, rice, and vegetables to create a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for everyday dinners.

Serving Oysters

Once your oysters are prepared and cooked, it’s time to serve them up! Here are some tips for serving oysters:

• On the Half Shell: Oysters can be placed on a bed of ice and served on the half shell with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
• Dressed: Oysters can also be dressed with your favorite dressing and served on a platter for people to enjoy.
• Hot: Oysters can be served hot and steaming, straight out of the steamer basket.

Pairing Oysters with Wine

Oysters are known for their unique flavor and texture, and they pair perfectly with a variety of wines. Here are some popular wine pairings for oysters:

• Dry White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect for pairing with fresh oysters.
• Sparkling Wine: A sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco is a great way to celebrate a special occasion and enjoy some delicious oysters.
• Local Wine: Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a local wine that pairs perfectly with oysters.

Contact a Chef for Help

If you’re new to cooking with oysters, it can be hard to know where to start. Contact a local chef or seafood market for help finding the best oysters and creating the perfect dish. With a little understanding and some creativity, you can create some amazing Asian oyster dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Shucking Oysters Like a Pro

• If you’re cooking the oysters, remove them from the shell before cooking.
• To BBQ oysters, place them on a hot grill for about 5-7 minutes until the edges curl and the juices start to bubble.
• Watch a video on Instagram or YouTube to see how a chef shucks oysters.
• Graduated from culinary school? Swear by a certain technique? Share your tips in the comments below!
• Shucking oysters is an essential skill for any chef who loves seafood.
• Oysters are a wonderful appetizer and offer a natural burst of flavor and juices.
• Always make sure you’re using the right knives for the job.

Preparing Oysters: A Quick and Easy Guide

Preparing oysters may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by cleaning the oysters under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Using a knife, gently break the hinge of the oyster shell and remove the top shell.
• Run the knife along the bottom shell to remove the oyster from the shell.
• Place the oysters in a bowl and set them aside.

Notes and Tips

• When buying oysters, make sure they are fresh and have a tightly closed shell.
• If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a little bit of water and a colander placed on top.
• Be careful when using a knife to open the oysters, as they can be hard and difficult to cut.
• Always check the oysters for any signs of spoilage before preparing them.
• Oysters are a great addition to any dinner party or special occasion, and their quick and easy preparation allows you to spend more time enjoying the food and company.

Spice Up Your Life with These Asian Oyster Recipes

Are you a fan of spicy food? Then this recipe is perfect for you! Here’s how you can prepare this dish:

Ingredients:

• Fresh shucked oysters
• 2 tablespoons of chili oil
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of grated garlic
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions

Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the chili oil, grated ginger, grated garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and white pepper.
3. Place the shucked oysters on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon the chili and pepper mixture over each oyster.
5. Bake the oysters for 8-10 minutes or until they are cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.

This recipe serves 4-6 people and is perfect for a spicy appetizer or a main course.

Oyster Sauce Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick and easy way to add some Asian flavor to your meal? Try this oyster sauce stir-fry recipe:

Ingredients:

• Fresh shucked oysters
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of grated garlic
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Preparation:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the grated ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until they are tender.
4. Add the shucked oysters and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes or until they are cooked through.
5. Add the oyster sauce and stir-fry for another minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

This recipe serves 2-4 people and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

The Wonders of Oyster Sauce in Asian Cuisine

Oyster sauce is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese cooking. It is a thick, dark brown sauce made from oysters, water, salt, sugar, and cornstarch. While it contains oysters, oyster sauce is not a seafood dish and is commonly used in vegetarian dishes as well.

How is it Made?

The process of making oyster sauce involves simmering oysters in water until they release their juices. The liquid is then thickened with cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Some variations may include soy sauce or MSG for added flavor.

What are the Different Types?

There are different types of oyster sauce available in the market, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the common types:

• Straight oyster sauce: Contains only oysters and seasonings
• Vegetarian oyster sauce: Made from mushrooms instead of oysters
• Seafood-flavored oyster sauce: Contains a mix of seafood flavors
• Thick oyster sauce: Has a sticky consistency and is great for marinades

How to Store and Buy Oyster Sauce?

Oyster sauce can be found in most local supermarkets or Asian markets. When buying oyster sauce, check the label for the ingredients and the price. Generally, the higher the price, the better the quality of the product. Once opened, oyster sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

What are Some Popular Brands?

There are many brands of oyster sauce available in the market, but some of the most popular ones are:

• Lee Kum Kee
• Kikkoman
• Maggi
• Panda

The Health Benefits of Oysters

Oysters are an excellent source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs. They are incredibly rich in protein, with six medium-sized oysters providing around 14 grams of protein. This makes them a great food to include in a balanced diet, especially for people who are looking to increase their protein intake.

Oysters Can Protect Your Heart

Oysters are known for their heart-protective properties. They contain a compound called taurine, which has been shown to increase the production of a compound called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Oysters are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Oysters are a Great Source of Essential Nutrients

Oysters are an ancient wonder food that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. They are an excellent source of many essential nutrients, including zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. Zinc is essential for immune function and wound healing, while iron is important for the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

Oysters are Natural Filters of the Ocean

Oysters are filter feeders, which means they filter water to obtain their food. As a result, they are incredibly effective at removing toxins and pollutants from the water. This makes them an excellent food to include in your diet if you are looking to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins.

Conclusion

So, oysters are a delicious and unique ingredient in asian cuisine. You can enjoy them raw, steamed, fried, or in a delicious oyster sauce.

They’re a great way to add some flavor to your meals, and can be prepared quickly. So, don’t be afraid to try some new dishes with oysters.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.