Serve oysters as an appetizer before a meal.
Oysters contain a large amount of vitamin B12, zinc and iron. While oysters can be eaten raw, they can also be smoked, baked, boiled, stewed or steamed. Preparation techniques vary widely based on personal preference. Steaming the oysters does not involve any added fat and the shells open as soon as the hot steam cooks them. After the oysters finish cooking, serve them with melted butter, hot sauce or lemon slices.
Instructions
1. Pour 2 cups of water into the bottom of a steamer. Heat the steamer until the water boils.
2. Wash the oyster shells to remove dirt and harmful bacteria. Use a kitchen scrub brush to loosen the dirt.
3. Add the oysters to the steamer. Avoid overfilling the steamer because the oysters in the center may not cook. Prepare the oysters in batches for best results. Pour in another cup of water if the current level has evaporated.
4. Place the lid on the steamer. Steam the oysters for 5 minutes after the shells open. Overcooking gives oysters a rubbery texture.
5. Remove the cooked oysters from the steamer. Discard oysters that do not open.
Tags: shells open
