How to Make Oysters Rockefeller

Confession; I am obsessed with oysters. I love them to the point where I can eat ridiculous amounts, and I do, whenever I get the chance. My record? 75 mollusks in one seating, a long afternoon at the now defunct Wild Edibles on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Normally, I eat them “naked” (that is, I wear clothes, but the oysters do not get dressed), but I’m not against a little Champagne vinaigrette or a dash of lemon and Tabasco.

I do rarely eat grilled or fried oysters, but I am about to change that. Starting with the legendary Rockefellers.

There’s something so undeniably luxurious about Oysters Rockefeller. This iconic dish, born in late 19th-century New Orleans, continues to captivate with its rich, herb-infused topping and briny oysters beneath, and a little crunch from panko or bread crumbs. They look great, taste amazing, and feel like a fancy flash from the late 1800’s.

The Story Behind the Name

The dish originated at Antoine’s, a legendary New Orleans restaurant, where Jules Alciatore (son of the restaurant’s founder) created it around 1889-1899. The name pays homage to John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest man of his era. The connection? The sauce topping these oysters was considered as rich as Rockefeller himself (pretty great name, in my opinion).

The original recipe is a closely guarded secret to this day. What we do know is that it featured a blend of green herbs, spinach, butter, breadcrumbs, and other mysterious ingredients that came together to create something extraordinary. The dish became an instant sensation, spreading from New Orleans across the United States and eventually around the world.

Today, countless variations exist, with chefs adding their own interpretations. But the essence remains the same: plump oysters crowned with a rich sauce and a slightly crunchy top. Incredible.

Selecting Your Oysters

Start with fresh, high-quality oysters on the half-shell. Look for oysters that are plump and smell like clean ocean water and are big enough to hold the filling and topping. Blue Points are a good place to start, but whatever your favorite type is will likely work well too!

The number you’ll need depends on your guest count and appetite, but plan for 3-4 oysters per person as a starter (unless you’re me, in which case you can easily quadruple this recipe).

Opening Oysters: A Simple Guide

Opening oysters intimidates many home cooks, but the process is straightforward once you understand the technique.

You’ll need an oyster knife (they are usually very cheap) and a kitchen towel to protect your hand. Scrub each oyster under cold water to remove any dirt.

Hold the oyster with the rounded side down, towel protecting your palm. Find the hinge where the two shells meet and insert the knife tip there. Apply firm, gentle pressure and twist to pry the shells apart, it will make a small “pop” when it opens. Take your time, don’t rush it!

Once the shell opens, slide the knife along the top shell to cut the muscle connecting the oyster. Lift away the top shell carefully to preserve the flavorful liquid inside. Slide the knife under the oyster to detach it from the bottom shell, then check for any stray shell fragments.

Practice builds confidence. Again, take your time and you’ll soon find your rhythm.

What You’ll Need for Oysters Rockefeller

For the oysters:

Fresh oysters on the half-shell
Rock salt or crumpled foil (to steady the shells while baking)

For the topping:

Fresh spinach (or thawed, well-drained frozen spinach)
Butter
Shallots, finely chopped
Fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, and chervil are traditional)
Fine breadcrumbs or panko
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Optional: anise-flavored liqueur like Pernod or Herbsaint

For serving:

Hollandaise sauce
Lemon wedges

For wine, reach for a crisp, dry white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Sparkling wine (Champagne or Prosecco) also pairs wonderfully, complementing the briny oysters while refreshing the palate between bites.

Provide small forks or cocktail picks so guests can easily enjoy each oyster. The dish is best appreciated immediately, while the topping is still warm and crisp.

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If you liked this, you are going to love these favorite oyster recipes:

How to Make Deep Fried Oysters

Fried Oysters with Deviled Egg Sauce

Herb Butter Baked Oysters with Prosciutto

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