Raw Oysters with Mignonette Sauce: A Classic & Elegant Dish

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Raw Oysters with Mignonette Sauce

Yield: 6

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 20 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Nothing says "luxury" quite like fresh, briny raw oysters, especially when paired with a tangy mignonette sauce. This simple yet sophisticated dish is perfect for a special occasion, a holiday feast, or a cheeky indulgence (hey, you deserve it!). The oysters' briny, ocean-fresh flavour is balanced by the sharp acidity and subtle sweetness of the mignonette, making this a match made in heaven.Here’s a simple recipe to make Raw Oysters with Mignonette Sauce that’s sure to impress your guests (or just treat yourself to a little indulgence).

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Ingredients

For the Oysters

• 12-18 fresh oysters (make sure they are from a reputable supplier or fishmonger and are sashimi grade)
• Crushed ice (for serving)

For the Mignonette Sauce

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar, for a lighter flavour)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots (about 1 small shallot)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you want the sauce)
• 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, to dilute the sauce slightly if you prefer a milder acidity)

Instructions

Prepare the Oysters

1. If you haven’t already, shuck the oysters. If you’re not comfortable with shucking oysters yourself, ask your fishmonger to do it for you. However, if you want to try your hand at it, you’ll need a good oyster knife and a thick towel to protect your hand.
2. Shucking Tip: Insert the knife into the hinge of the oyster (where the two shells meet) and twist gently to pop it open. Once opened, run the knife along the inside of the top shell to detach the oyster from the shell. Discard the top shell and keep the oyster in its bottom shell with the liquid (called the "liquor") inside, as it’s full of flavour.
3. Arrange the oysters on a platter filled with crushed ice to keep them cold and fresh. If you’re serving them immediately, it’s a good idea to make sure the oysters stay chilled. You can also cover them with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out.

Make the Mignonette Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, chopped shallots, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
2. Taste the sauce. If you find the vinegar too sharp, you can dilute it with a little water to mellow it out. The mignonette should be tangy with a slight sweetness and a peppery finish.
3. Optional variations: If you want to get a bit fancy, try adding a small splash of champagne vinegar or a pinch of finely minced herbs (like parsley or tarragon) to the mignonette for extra complexity.

Serve

1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mignonette sauce over each oyster. Be sure not to drown the oyster in sauce—just a light drizzle to enhance the flavour of the oysters.
2. If you’d like, serve with lemon wedges on the side (although traditionally, oysters are eaten with just the mignonette sauce). You can also garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of colour, though that's totally optional.
3. Serve the oysters immediately while they're fresh and cold. For the full experience, pair your oysters with a chilled glass of champagne, crisp white wine, or a vodka martini. The salty, briny oysters combined with the sharp, tangy mignonette are a treat for your taste buds.

Notes

Tips for the Best Oysters with Mignonette Sauce:

• Freshness is Key: The fresher the oysters, the better the flavour. If you're buying oysters, check that they’re closed tightly. If any are open, tap them lightly; if they don't close, they’re no longer fresh and should be discarded.
• Chill Your Oysters: Keep oysters cold and serve them immediately to enjoy their full flavour.
• Customize the Sauce: The beauty of mignonette sauce is that you can adjust it to suit your taste. Add more pepper for heat, or experiment with different kinds of vinegar for a unique twist.

Recommended Products

Oyster Platter

Oyster Knife

Nutrition Facts

Calories

9

Fat

0 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

1 g

Fiber

0 g

Net carbs

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

4 mg

Cholesterol

1 mg

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