Ina Garten’s Grilled Oysters Recipe with Lemon Dill Butter

Grilled oysters dance with vibrant, zesty flavors that transform a simple seafood dish into a memorable culinary experience.

These delicate shellfish absorb incredible richness when kissed by flame and complemented with herbaceous seasonings.

Butter melts luxuriously around each tender morsel, creating an elegant foundation for bright, tangy notes.

Garlic whispers subtle complexity through the creamy sauce, while dill adds fresh, green undertones that enhance the oysters’ natural sweetness.

Fragrant lemon zest cuts through the richness, providing a clean, citrusy counterpoint that awakens the palate.

Summer gatherings become extraordinary when you serve these succulent shellfish that promise sophistication and spontaneous delight: Let the grilling begin!

Why Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter Shine

• Burst with Coastal Freshness: These grilled oysters capture the essence of seaside dining, delivering a bright, zesty flavor profile that transports you straight to the ocean's edge.
• Master Grill-Friendly Technique: The innovative foil stabilization method makes grilling delicate oysters foolproof, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without stress.
• Quick Gourmet Indulgence: In just 10 minutes, transform simple oysters into an elegant appetizer that impresses guests with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor sophistication.
• Herb-Infused Luxury: The lemon dill butter creates a luxurious coating that elevates the oysters' natural brininess, adding layers of rich, aromatic complexity to each delectable bite.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Dill Grilled Oysters

Main Ingredients:

• Oysters: Freshly shucked shellfish perfect for grilling, best when cold and recently harvested, shell should be tightly closed and smell like fresh ocean water.

• Butter, Garlic, Dill, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Creamy herbed butter blend that adds rich flavor and brightness to the grilled oysters, unsalted butter works best for controlled seasoning.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the butter's flavor profile and complement the oysters' natural taste.

• Sea Salt or Fleur de Sel: Delicate salt sprinkled on top to add a final touch of seasoning and texture, provides a subtle crunch and mineral enhancement.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to create a stable grilling surface, helps prevent oyster shells from tipping and ensures even heat distribution.

How to Grill Oysters with That Buttery Touch

Step 1: Prepare The Grill

Fire up your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, spread hot coals evenly across the grate for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter

• Softened butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh dill
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mix on medium speed until ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 3: Arrange Oyster Shells

Place fresh oysters on a clean sheet pan. Generously dollop herbed butter onto each oyster shell, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Set Up Grill Stabilization

Crumple aluminum foil sheets to create a stable, level surface on grill grates. This prevents oysters from tipping and losing their delicious butter.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Carefully transfer oysters onto foil-covered grill grates. Close grill lid, keeping vents open. Cook for 2-3 minutes until butter simmers and oysters are heated through.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Transfer grilled oysters to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sea salt or fleur de sel. Serve immediately while warm and bubbling.

Grilling Tips for Juicy Oysters Every Time

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending of herbs and seasonings.
• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane grater to create ultra-fine lemon zest that melts seamlessly into the butter and distributes flavor evenly.
• Create a Stable Grill Platform: Crinkle aluminum foil into a bumpy base to keep oyster shells level, preventing butter from spilling and ensuring even cooking.
• Master Grilling Timing: Watch for butter bubbling as your visual cue—this signals oysters are perfectly cooked and prevents rubbery, overcooked texture.
• Handle Oysters with Care: Use an oyster knife or sturdy shucking tool, applying gentle pressure to preserve delicate inner juices that enhance overall taste.

How to Keep Grilled Oysters Fresh

• Vacuum Seal: Protect delicate grilled oysters by using a vacuum sealer. Extract air completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal flavor integrity. Professional chefs recommend this method for maximum freshness and texture preservation.
• Freezer Storage: Carefully wrap individual oysters in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Limit freezing time to 2-3 weeks to prevent texture degradation and maintain delicate seafood quality. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Quick Cooling: Spread grilled oysters on a flat, shallow tray lined with parchment paper. Allow rapid cooling at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before transferring to storage containers. Prevents condensation buildup and preserves butter's rich flavor profile.

Switch It Up with Oyster Flavors

• Herb Garden Blend: Swap dill for a mix of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon to create a vibrant, aromatic butter that complements the oysters' briny flavor.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace lemon with orange zest and add a pinch of smoked paprika to give the butter a warm, sun-kissed profile that transports you to coastal Mediterranean shores.
• Spicy Seafood Kick: Incorporate finely minced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper into the butter for those who love a gentle heat that enhances the oysters' natural sweetness.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Crisp and crumble bacon into the butter mixture, adding a rich, savory dimension that elevates the grilled oysters with a classic surf-and-turf character.

Grilled Oyster Recap Worth Sharing

Seafood enthusiasts rejoice with Ina Garten’s grilled oysters, a coastal delicacy that whispers summer’s embrace.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through each succulent morsel, promising oceanic elegance on your plate.

Lemon and dill create perfect harmony, transforming simple shellfish into gourmet magic.

Grilling techniques elevate these oysters from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing smoky undertones with herbed butter.

Coastal charm meets culinary expertise in this sophisticated recipe that screams effortless entertaining.

Signature Barefoot Contessa style shines through – elegant yet approachable.

Ina Garten Grilled Oysters With Lemon Dill Butter Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled oysters from Ina Garten shine with zesty lemon dill butter, offering a luxurious coastal experience. Delicate shellfish meet rich, herbal sauce, creating an elegant appetizer you’ll savor with each briny, buttery bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 large fresh oysters, shucked and on the half shell

Butter and Seasonings:

• ¼ pound (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon (5g) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5g) minced fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon (5g) grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

Finishing Salts:

• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt or fleur de sel, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill to medium-high heat, preparing either a charcoal or gas grill with a uniform heat distribution across the cooking surface.
2. Craft the zesty herb butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice in an electric mixer. Blend thoroughly until ingredients are evenly incorporated, seasoning with of kosher salt and of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Arrange fresh oysters on a clean sheet pan, positioning them carefully to maintain stability. Delicately spoon approximately 1 level teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the aromatic herbed butter onto each individual oyster.
4. Create a stable grilling platform by strategically crumpling aluminum foil sheets and positioning them across the grill grates, ensuring a level surface for the oyster shells.
5. Gently transfer the butter-topped oysters onto the prepared foil surface, maintaining their balance to prevent butter from spilling. Close the grill lid, keeping ventilation ports open, and allow oysters to cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter begins to simmer and the oysters are heated through.
6. Carefully remove the grilled oysters and arrange them on a serving platter. Finish by sprinkling with high-quality sea salt or delicate fleur de sel, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Crumpling aluminum foil provides a stable base, preventing oyster shells from tipping and preserving the delicate butter mixture.
• Softening butter beforehand ensures seamless herb integration, creating a more uniform and flavorful coating.
• Precision matters when grilling: aim for 2-3 minutes until butter bubbles, avoiding overcooking that leads to rubbery textures.
• Gentle oyster shucking preserves precious briny juices, enhancing the overall taste experience of the grilled seafood.
• Select fresh, high-quality oysters with intact shells to guarantee the best possible grilling results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 oyster (24 servings)
• Calories: 83
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 87mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 31mg