Oysters On The Half Shell With Apple-Horseradish Slaw
This elegant dish features fresh Malpeque oysters topped with a refreshing Granny Smith apple and celery slaw, accented with a hint of horseradish and crème fraîche. The combination of briny oysters and crisp, tangy slaw creates a delightful balance of flavors that is sure to impress your guests. Serve these delicious oysters on a bed of coarse salt for a visually stunning presentation. Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy appetizer spread.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 12 Atlantic oysters, such as Malapeque
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 tsp. prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp. crème fraîche
- Coarse salt for serving
Instructions
- Scrub the shell of each oyster with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Discard any oysters that do not close when touched.
- To shuck each oyster, grip it, flat side up, with a folded kitchen towel (to protect your hand). Positioning an oyster knife to one side of the hinge (opposite the concentric ridges of the shell), push the tip between the shells and pry upward to open. Keeping the blade firmly against the top shell, run it around the perimeter of the oyster to sever the muscle holding the shell halves together. Discard the top shells. Run the knife underneath the oyster to free it from the bottom shell, being careful not to spill the juice, or liquor, and then set the oyster in its shell on a plate. Repeat with the remaining oysters. Refrigerate the oysters until ready to serve.
- Peel, quarter and core the apple. Using a mandoline or a large, sharp chef's knife, slice the apple quarters paper-thin. A few at a time, stack the slices and cut them into thin julienne. Cut the celery into thin julienne less than 1 inch long. In a bowl, combine the apple, celery, horseradish and crème fraîche and mix gently until well combined.
- When ready to serve, pour a thin layer of coarse salt onto a platter. Arrange the oysters on top of the salt, taking care not to spill the juice. Spoon an equal amount of the apple-horseradish slaw on top of each oyster and serve immediately; provide small shellfish forks, if desired. Serves 4 to 6.
- Adapted from Williams-Sonoma <i>New Flavors for Appetizers</i>, by Amy Sherman (Oxmoor House, 2008).
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