Oyster Rockefeller
Ingredients
-1 dozen oysters, shucked
-1/2 cup (120 ml) clarified butter
-1/4 cup (60 ml) dry vermouth
-1/4 cup (60 ml) Pernod
-1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
-1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
-1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Tabasco sauce
-1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
-1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground black pepper
-1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
-2 cups (480 ml) fresh bread crumbs
-1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
-1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped parsley
-2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter
Method
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2) In a small saucepan, heat clarified butter over medium heat. Stir in vermouth, Pernod, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
3) Place oysters in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spoon the sauce over the oysters.
4) In a shallow bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat.
5) Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the oysters.
6) Bake for 12 minutes, or until the oysters are cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
Potential changes & improvements
-Try using a different type of cheese in the bread crumb mixture, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
-Add a bit of spice to the sauce by stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
-For a lighter version, use light or low-fat clarified butter, and omit the Parmesan cheese from the bread crumb mixture.
What other food it works well with
Oyster Rockefeller can be served as an appetizer or main course. Try pairing it with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
Common Mistakes
-Not heating the sauce before spooning it over the oysters. The sauce should be heated so that the flavors can meld together.
-Not using fresh bread crumbs. The bread crumbs should be fresh so that they will be fluffy and have more flavor.
-Not using enough clarified butter. The oysters should be well coated with the sauce, so don’t be stingy with the clarified butter.
Nutritional Information
Allergens
Oysters, butter, wheat