Garlic Butter Grilled Oysters

Ingredients

• 12 fresh oysters, in the shell

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: grated Parmesan or hot sauce for topping

1. Prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and ashy.

3. Shuck the oysters. Carefully open the oysters, keeping the meat in the deeper half of the shell. Discard the top shell. Place oysters on a tray to keep them level.

4. Add the butter. Spoon a generous dollop of garlic butter onto each oyster. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan or a dash of hot sauce.

5. Grill the oysters. Place oysters directly on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the butter is bubbling and oysters are just cooked through.

6. Serve hot. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.