Oysters are a beloved delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. From grilling to frying, baking to boiling, or even eating them raw, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to preparing these delicious bivalves.
But have you ever considered eating oysters for breakfast? It may seem like an unusual choice, but for many oyster lovers, starting the day with a briny bite is the ultimate indulgence.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of breakfast oysters and answer the question on everyone’s mind: can you really eat oysters for breakfast?
So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive into the world of morning oysters.
Can You Eat Oysters For Breakfast?
The short answer is yes, you can definitely eat oysters for breakfast. In fact, many people around the world enjoy them as a morning meal.
Traditionally, oysters are more commonly consumed as an appetizer or dinner dish. However, there are plenty of recipes and preparations that make them a great choice for breakfast.
One popular breakfast dish is the Hangtown Fry, which is essentially a scramble or omelet with oysters and bacon. Another family recipe is Oysters Cock-a-Cilla, a creamy oyster dish served over toast that was first created and served on Christmas morning.
But before you start shucking oysters for your morning meal, it’s important to know how to choose the right ones. When selecting oysters, you should pay attention to their smell, look, taste, and shell inspection.
A good oyster should look plump and juicy with a glistening sheen. It should also have a fresh smell and taste. Avoid any oysters that have a strong odor of rotten eggs or petrol, or taste spoiled.
Additionally, make sure to inspect the shell for cracks or holes. An open shell that won’t close to the touch usually indicates that the oyster is dead and should be avoided.
The History Of Oysters As A Breakfast Food
While oysters are not commonly thought of as a breakfast food today, they were once a staple morning meal for many people. In fact, in the 1800s, New Yorkers were known to consume up to 600 oysters a year, with many of those being eaten for breakfast.
During this time period, oysters were an inexpensive and abundant food source. They were often used to add bulk to more expensive dishes, such as meat pies, and were eaten by both the rich and the poor. Some people even owned special plates designed for serving and eating oysters, shaped and painted like oyster shells.
Oysters were also thought to have aphrodisiac properties, which only added to their popularity. The ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea on an oyster shell. The Roman emperors paid a fortune for oysters and believed in their powers as an aphrodisiac. Even the infamous lover Casanova reportedly ate 50 to 60 raw oysters a day, with a dozen for breakfast being a restorative.
As oyster production declined due to overharvesting and other factors, their popularity as a breakfast food waned. Today, oysters are still enjoyed as a delicacy but are more commonly consumed as an appetizer or dinner dish. However, with the right recipe and preparation, they can still make for a delicious and unique breakfast option.
Nutritional Benefits Of Eating Oysters For Breakfast
Aside from being a delicious breakfast option, oysters also offer numerous health benefits. Oysters are packed with nutrients, making them a great way to start your day with a healthy boost.
For starters, oysters are an excellent source of protein, with six medium-sized oysters containing roughly 6 grams of protein. They are also low in calories, with only 50 calories per serving. Oysters are rich in minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting healthy growth.
Oysters are high in vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing DNA. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy cognitive function and promote heart health.
Another important nutrient found in oysters is vitamin D. While sunlight exposure is the primary way to obtain vitamin D, consuming foods rich in this nutrient can provide numerous health benefits. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and it also helps regulate the immune system.
How To Prepare Oysters For Breakfast
Preparing oysters for breakfast can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are a few popular methods:
1. Sautéed Oysters: Drain the oysters and pat them dry. In a skillet, sauté onions in butter until translucent, then add the oysters and cook until the edges curl. Remove the pan from heat. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Gently stir in green onions. Pour the egg mixture over the oysters and cook on low heat, stirring until the eggs are almost set. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cook until the eggs are set.
2. Fried Oysters: Coat each oyster in flour, then egg, then cornmeal, and reserve until ready to use. Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and brown. Remove and drain on paper towel, then coarsely chop. Add breaded oysters to remaining bacon fat in pan and cook until just firm and cornmeal begins to brown. Remove oysters from pan and reserve. Add onions to what’s left of the oil in the pan (adding additional vegetable oil if necessary) and cook until soft. Melt butter over medium heat and season the beaten egg with salt and pepper. Once bubbles have subsided, add beaten egg, swirling pan so that egg coats the entire bottom. When egg has set but is still a little wet on top, gently slide onto a large dish or platter. Scatter bacon, onions, and oysters on one side of the omelet and gently fold the other half of the omelet across the filling.
3. Baked Oysters: Preheat oven to 375F. Scrub and clean oysters, rinse them under cold running water, and open them using an oyster knife. Clean the oyster flesh from any remaining grit, slip the oyster knife under the oyster meat to loosen and remove it, discarding any liquid. Keep meat intact and set it aside. Keep bottom shells for baking. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, sauté garlic in oil until soft and fragrant. Set aside. Arrange empty oyster shells on baking tray. In a small bowl, combine garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and pour butter over-top to mix well. Divide breadcrumb mixture between the oyster shells, top each with reserved oyster meat, cover with remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
No matter how you choose to prepare your oysters for breakfast, make sure to follow food safety guidelines when handling raw seafood to avoid any potential health risks.
Pairing Oysters With Breakfast Beverages
Pairing oysters with breakfast beverages may not be something you’ve considered before, but it can be a great way to start your day off with a unique and delicious flavor combination.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a freshly squeezed citrus juice such as orange or grapefruit can complement the briny flavor of oysters. The acidity in the juice can also help cut through the richness of any butter or cream used in the oyster dish.
If you’re looking for an alcoholic pairing, a dry sparkling wine or Champagne can be a great choice. The bubbles and acidity in the wine can bring out the crisp and minerally flavors of the oysters, while the yeasty notes in the wine can add a nutty quality to the dish.
For beer lovers, a dry Belgian sour can be a surprising but delicious pairing for oysters. The sourness of the beer can create a refreshing tartness that complements the brininess of the oysters.
Finally, for those who prefer spirits, gin or Scotch can be great options. A gin with juniper and herbaceous notes can add excitement to the dish, while a low-iodine and moderate-peat Scotch can create a delicious match with the seafood brine.
Oyster Breakfast Recipes To Try At Home
Here are a few oyster breakfast recipes that you can try at home:
1. Oyster and Bacon Omelet: This recipe is a twist on the classic omelet. In a skillet, sauté onions in butter until translucent. Add oysters and cook until the edges curl. Whisk together eggs, salt, garlic powder, and hot sauce in a bowl. Gently stir in green onions. Pour the egg mixture over the oysters and cook on low heat, stirring until the eggs are almost set. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cook until the eggs are set.
2. Fried Oyster Breakfast Omelet: This recipe is a bit more involved but well worth it. Pat dry and season oysters with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour mixture, shake off excess, and transfer to a plate. Heat butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Add half of the oysters and cook until golden, flipping once. Reduce heat to medium, pour egg mixture over oysters in skillet and cook until bottom is set. Place skillet under broiler until top and center are just set. Slide omelet onto a plate and top with bacon.
3. Oyster Stew: This recipe is perfect for those chilly mornings when you need a warm bowl of comfort food. Simmer canned oysters in a tasty soup base made with aromatics, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Add hot sauce for an addictive kick with every sip.
These recipes are just a few examples of how you can enjoy oysters for breakfast. They are versatile ingredients that can be used in many different dishes, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Safety Concerns When Eating Oysters For Breakfast
While oysters can be a delicious breakfast option, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when consuming them raw or undercooked.
Eating raw or undercooked oysters can put you at risk for Vibriosis, a foodborne illness caused by Vibrio bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium commonly found in waters where oysters are cultivated, can cause serious illness and even death if consumed in contaminated oysters.
It’s important to purchase oysters from reputable sources and restaurants. When selecting oysters, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage such as a strong odor or a slimy texture. Avoid any oysters that have an open shell that won’t close to the touch.
If consuming raw oysters, it’s important to keep them chilled at all times and eat them immediately after shucking. If choosing to cook oysters, make sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Boiling or steaming in the shell is a popular cooking method, but make sure not to overcrowd the pot and discard any oysters that do not open during the cooking process.
Adding lemon juice or hot sauce to raw oysters is a popular myth that does not actually kill bacteria. Only heat will destroy Vibrio bacteria, so make sure to cook oysters properly to decrease the risk of Vibriosis.