| How to Shuck an Oyster
There are a number of ways to successfully shuck an oyster..... Here’s one way:
Step 1: Hold the oyster firmly (cup side down) in one hand, knife in the other. Slip the knife blade between the top and bottom shell right by the hinge on back. Once inserted, twist the knife slightly to “pop” the hinge. The person in this picture is holding the oyster with her bare hands - WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS! Drape a towel over your open palm and hold the oyster that way (it is also recommended that you place the oyster cup side down on a cutting board and cover the top shell with a towel and a gloved hand) - the shell ridges are sharp! |
Step 2: Run the knife all the way around the oyster until you get to the other side. This sounds easy until you're actually doing it! Some oysters just don't take kindly to people sticking knives in their shell. Be brave and put some muscle into it, but be careful - this is where you’re most likely to cut or stab yourself. |
Step 3: Now you can pry the top and bottom shells apart. Keep the cup side down to hold the oyster liquor in the shell. Be gentle but firm and continue to know where your knife blade is to avoid cuts to the oyster or your hands. Clean out any foreign debris like bits of shell or mud with the tip of the knife |
Step 4: Now you’ll separate the oyster from its shell to make for an easy slurp. He'll be connected to the shell by a tough (but sweet) abductor muscle on his underside. Slide your knife under and sever it. You can either go to the trouble of setting down your blade and using a little fork to pick the oyster out, or you can do like the natives do and just scoop him with your knife and pop him in your mouth. Drink the liquor out of the shell. |
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