Romantic Oysters Rockefeller (Printer-friendly)
Decadent fresh oysters baked with a savory spinach and herb topping. An elegant starter for a romantic dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Oysters
01 - 12 fresh oysters, shucked, on the half shell
→ Spinach Mixture
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 small shallot, finely minced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
08 - 1/4 cup Pernod or dry white wine
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
10 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 450°F.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced shallot and garlic, then sauté until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the chopped baby spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until it has wilted, about 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Deglaze the pan with Pernod or dry white wine, cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
05 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter.
06 - Arrange the shucked oysters on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Line the dish with rock salt or crumpled aluminum foil to stabilize the oysters.
07 - Spoon a generous portion of the prepared spinach mixture over each oyster.
08 - Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each oyster.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
10 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It lets you feel like a gourmet chef without spending all day in the kitchen.
- This dish delivers an elegant <wow> factor that's surprisingly achievable, making any occasion feel instantly more special.
02 -
- Always use the freshest oysters you can find; their quality truly shines in this dish, so don't compromise.
- Practice your oyster shucking technique, or find a fishmonger who will do it for you – it makes the process so much more enjoyable.
03 -
- Resist the urge to overbake; the oysters are delicate and only need enough heat to warm through and crisp the topping.
- Finely mincing your herbs and aromatics ensures a cohesive and elegant topping that adheres beautifully to the oyster.