Best Oyster Stew Recipe with Just Milk and Butter
Best Oyster Stew Recipe with Just Milk and Butter
Oyster stew is a simple yet delicious dish. It brings the taste of the sea to your table. This recipe uses only a few ingredients: oysters, milk, and butter. Let’s dive into the details of making this comforting stew.
Oyster Stew Recipe with Just Milk and Butter
Ingredients
Fresh oysters: About a pint, including the liquor (the liquid they come in).
Whole milk: 4 cups.
Butter: 4 tablespoons.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Preparation
Clean the Oysters:
Rinse the oysters under cold water. This removes any grit or sand.
If they are not pre-shucked, you will need to shuck them. Be careful to keep the oyster liquor. This liquid is full of flavor.
Prepare the Ingredients:
Measure out the milk and butter. Having everything ready makes cooking easier.
Cooking Instructions
Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Do not let it brown.
Add the Oysters:
Add the oysters and their liquor to the melted butter. Cook gently for a few minutes. The oysters should start to curl at the edges. This means they are cooking.
Add the Milk:
Slowly pour in the milk. Stir gently to combine. Keep the heat low. Do not let the milk boil. Boiling can cause the milk to curdle.
Season the Stew:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally. Let the stew simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Perfect Oyster Stew
Do Not Boil: Keep the heat low. Boiling can ruin the texture of the milk and oysters.
Use Fresh Oysters: Fresh oysters give the best flavor. If you can, buy them from a trusted seafood market.
Season Carefully: Start with a little salt and pepper. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Serving Suggestions
Oyster stew is best served hot. Here are some ideas to make your meal even better:
Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Crackers: Oyster crackers or saltines add a nice crunch.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich stew.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can try these variations:
Add Vegetables: Some recipes include finely chopped onions or celery. Sauté them in the butter before adding the oysters.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add extra flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking.
Cream: For a richer stew, replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
Nutritional Information
Oyster stew is not just tasty; it’s also nutritious. Here’s a quick look at what you get in a serving:
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 8 grams
Fat: 19 grams
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Sodium: 794 mg
FAQs
