Description
Smoky Lemon Garlic Grilled Oysters are the ultimate quick appetizer that brings the flavor of a seafood shack right to your backyard. With buttery garlic, bright lemon, a hint of smoky paprika, and the fresh brine of oysters, this easy recipe delivers big flavor in under 10 minutes. Perfect for cookouts, elegant starters, or when you’re craving a bold, yet simple seafood dish. If you’re looking for quick appetizers, easy dinner ideas, or grilled food recipes to impress your guests, these oysters are a must-try. Ideal for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles!
Ingredients
12 fresh oysters in the shell
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves fresh garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Scrub the oysters thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Set aside over ice or in the fridge.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F).
5. Carefully shuck the oysters, keeping the briny liquor inside. Discard the top shell and place each oyster cup-side down on a grill-safe tray.
6. Spoon a small amount of the garlic lemon butter into each oyster. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
7. Grill oysters for 5 to 7 minutes with the lid closed, until the butter is bubbling and oysters are just cooked.
8. Remove from grill, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use a muffin tin or rock salt bed to keep oysters steady on the grill and avoid spills.
Make the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick prep.
Avoid overcooking—the oysters should be plump and opaque, not rubbery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oyster
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: grilled oysters, garlic butter oysters, lemon garlic oysters, quick seafood, summer appetizers, keto seafood, low carb grilled