Description
Smoky Lemon Garlic Grilled Oysters are the perfect seafood appetizer, combining fresh oysters, zesty lemon, and smoky paprika butter. Quick to prepare and full of bright coastal flavor, this grilled oyster recipe is ideal for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or any seafood feast.
Ingredients
12 fresh oysters in the shell
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Carefully shuck the oysters using an oyster knife, keeping them on the half shell. Reserve the juices.
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let the coals turn white and ashy.
4. Place a grill-safe tray on the grill and arrange oysters on top.
5. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the lemon garlic butter over each oyster. Add Parmesan if using.
6. Close the lid and grill oysters for 5–7 minutes until edges curl and butter is bubbling.
7. Remove with tongs, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use a sturdy oyster knife and a thick kitchen towel or glove to protect your hand when shucking.
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds brightness that balances the butter.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Reheating can slightly alter the oyster’s tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oyster
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 18mg