The Best Ways to Enjoy West Coast Oysters

According to lore, bivalves are at their finest during months with an “R”—basically any time from September to April. “West Coast oysters are in peak condition for eating raw in these colder months … they won’t be as spawny, and flavor profiles are going to be the best,” says Terry Sawyer, who runs Northern California’s Hog Island Oyster Co. with John Finger. With briny mollusks on our minds, we canvassed chefs around the West Coast for a selection of easy-to-make mignonettes that take freshly shucked gems to the next level. All recipes make enough sauce for 12 oysters.

Champagne Vinegar Mignonette

This recipe comes courtesy of Renee Erickson, who has been a chef at numerous Seattle restaurants, including Bateau, The Walrus and the Carpenter, The Whale Wins, Barnacle, and Bar Melusine.

Recipe: Champagne Vinegar Mignonette

Mignonette-Ponzu Hybrid

This oyster sauce was shared by L.A. restaurant maven Brooke Williamson, who has presided over SoCal staples including Hudson House; The Tripel; Playa Provisions; Da Kikokiko; and even an ice-cream shop, Small Batch.

Recipe: Mignonette-Ponzu Hybrid

Agua Chile Verde Sauce with Cucumber Pico de Gallo

This kicky sauce is a favorite of Maylin Chavez, chef and owner of Olympia Oyster Bar, in Portland.

Recipe: Agua Chile Verde Sauce with Cucumber Pico de Gallo

Mignonette with Sorrel Ice

Chef Alex Hong comes by his love of offbeat ingredient sorrel honestly: He’s the executive chef at a restaurant by the same name in San Francisco.

Recipe: Mignonette with Sorrel Ice

How to Shuck Oysters at Home

Shucking oysters is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. You only need two tools: an oyster knife and something to protect your hand (a kitchen towel or rubber glove work best).

1. Use a kitchen towel and hold the oyster cup side down with the hinge facing inward. Make sure the oyster is as level as possible to save any juice. Grip the oyster and wiggle the knife in its hinge, applying light pressure until the shell pops up.
2. Wipe off your knife and run it around the perimeter of the shell to sever the muscle attaching the top of the shell to the oyster meat. Toss the top shell.
3. Slide the knife under the oyster meat and free it from the bottom shell.

Oyster Shuckers

• Winco 2 3⁄4” Blade Oyster Knife, $5

The no-frills shucker you can find in almost any kitchen drawer is simple, straightforward, and gets the job done.

• Town Cutler Oyster Shucker Knife in Buckeye Burl, $45

A blade with hard-angle beveling helps pry open shells and a rounded blade tip makes popping open oysters a breeze. We also love the look of the true craftsman handle.

• Toadfish Outfitters Put ’Em Back Oyster Knife, $38

A curved Japanese stainless-steel blade and ergonomic thumbprint handle design will make you feel like a shucking pro. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go directly to oyster-habitat restoration.