My mom and brother, Stan, are without a doubt, the greatest cooks in the world when it comes to all things seafood. I’ve never had anything seafood related in a restaurant that came close to their expertise, and I’ve sampled quite a bit.
I’ve had Stan’s oysters every way imaginable – steamed, raw, baked, etc. You can find his son’s baked oysters here and learn how to shuck an oyster. But today I’m sharing Stan’s oyster stew. It’s easy. It’s warm and comforting. If you’re an oyster lover, you really need to try it!
Actually, according to some researchers, oysters and love do go hand-in-hand! Casanova, the 18th century lover who would breakfast on 50 oysters, has been vindicated by a study that proves they really are aphrodisiacs. A team of American and Italian researchers analyzed bivalve mollusks – a group of shellfish that includes oysters – and found they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. That fact alone is reason enough to eat oysters! Wink.
An old myth specifies the best time to eat oysters is during months that contain an “R” (i.e. September through April) and to avoid eating oysters in months that do not contain an “R” (May through August). Since it’s November, we’re safe!
Let’s face it, although oysters may trigger an increase in sex hormones, they are not the prettiest bivalve mollusks on the block! Tasty, yes. Pretty – well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
- 1 quart half and half
- 1 pint oysters (fresh or canned)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- White pepper
- Paprika
- In a skillet on medium heat, melt ½ stick of butter.
- Add chopped onions and saute until tender and onion is translucent.
- In a saucepan, heat the half and half and the remaining ½ stick of butter on medium high heat until almost boiling. Do not bring to a boil.
- Add the oysters to the skillet with the onion and celery. Cook until oysters start to curl.
- Pour all of the skillet ingredients into the heated half and half.
- Garnish with white pepper and paprika.
- Serve with crackers.
Are you an oyster lover? If so, what’s your favorite way to eat them?
Speaking of seafood, you can find the best hushpuppies in the world here. Here’s my favorite fried fish and my crispy lobster bites.
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About Alli
I love this recipe, Alli. My dad used to make Oyster Stew on Christmas Eve. He’s been gone 9 years now, and I miss it. I never knew how to make it. Thanks for sharing.
I love food that has so many good memories attached!
Yum! We love oysters and I’ve never made a stew with them.
I’m not very good at shucking them, but I do love um.
I grew up on Oyster Stew. And while I didn’t appreciate it much then, I do love it now. This recipe looks great. If you’re interested in linking up at link parties, I co-host one on Saturdays and would love to have you join us.
My husband makes an amazing oyster stuffing on Thanksgiving. Thinking we should give this a try for later!
My mom makes oyster dressing every Thanksgiving, too, in addition to her cornbread dressing.
I not usually a big Oyster fan, but this recipe sounds simple and yummy!
Paris, I never liked oysters until I was in my early 40’s. I totally agree that oysters are one of those things you either love or hate. 🙂
I’ve never been a huge fan of oysters but this looks delicious! I’ll definitely have to whip this up sometime this week. Thank you!
xo,
Marissa
http://www.makinitwithmarissa.com
How do you come up with that stuff you say on your blog – lol!!! Anyway, well, we do get pearls from oysters so I could definitely see a love connection!!!! Your brother’s oyster stew looks so simple and delish! Is there a thing against pregnancy and eating shell fish? Because I could surely go for some of a hot bowl of this!
Zan, I think there is a thing about pregnancy and shell fish. Things sure have changed since I was pregnant all those years ago. We could eat anything – no restrictions. 🙂
I never ate seafood growing up. My parents don’t like it. But I am expanding my taste buds as I age. I thinks this stew looks super easy and I think I will have to give it a try.
I love oysters! If we’re not eating them raw on a cracker with a sprinkling of hot sauce then fried is the way to go although this oyster stew sounds delicious. I’ll have to give this recipe a try! Thanks Allie:)
I like them lightly steamed with hot sauce and saltine crackers!
If I didn’t already have dinner in the crockpot I would be running out to buy oysters to make this tonight! It sounds amazing. Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Linky Party!
~Bonnie
My mother loved oyster stew, even canned! Now that’s love!
Your Mom and Uncle Stan are clearly good cooks! This recipe sounds tasty and easy too!