Oysters Rockefeller Recipe: A Classic and Flavorful
Oysters Rockefeller is a legendary American seafood dish known for its rich, buttery, and herbaceous topping. Created in 1899 at Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, this dish is named after John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest man of the time, due to its luxurious ingredients and rich flavor profile. Traditionally, it consists of fresh oysters topped with a mixture of butter, herbs, breadcrumbs, and sometimes cheese, then baked or broiled to perfection.
This dish is a showstopper at any gathering, offering an elegant yet approachable way to enjoy oysters. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or a newcomer to oysters, this recipe will help you recreate the classic Oysters Rockefeller at home with ease.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisines: American, Cajun
- Course: Appetizer
- Servings: 4
Equipment Needed
- Oyster knife
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor (optional)
- Small saucepan
- Spoon
- Aluminum foil or rock salt (for stabilizing oysters while baking)
Ingredients
- 12 fresh oysters, shucked and on the half shell
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 1/4 cup Pernod or white wine
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Rock salt or coarse salt (for baking stability)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oysters
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Rinse and scrub the oysters under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using an oyster knife, carefully shuck the oysters, keeping the meat intact and retaining the bottom shell.
- Set the oysters on a baking sheet lined with rock salt or crumpled aluminum foil to keep them steady.
2. Make the Topping
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, green onions, and parsley, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Add the Pernod (or white wine), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat and mix in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. Adjust with more breadcrumbs if necessary.
3. Assemble the Oysters
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared mixture onto each oyster.
- Ensure the topping is evenly spread and covers the oyster meat.
4. Bake the Oysters
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the oysters from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or champagne for a true fine-dining experience.
Tips for the Perfect Oysters Rockefeller
- Choose Fresh Oysters: Always use fresh, live oysters for the best flavor. They should be tightly closed before shucking.
- Stabilizing the Oysters: Rock salt helps keep oysters level while baking, preventing spills.
- Enhance the Flavor: If you enjoy a more decadent taste, add a touch of cream or extra butter to the mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the topping in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.
Conclusion
The Oysters Rockefeller Recipe is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and anyone looking to impress guests with a sophisticated yet simple dish. The combination of buttery herbs, aromatic seasonings, and fresh oysters creates an unforgettable experience. Whether served as an appetizer for a special occasion or as a luxurious treat, this dish is sure to please. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of this iconic seafood delicacy!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.