Grilled Seafood Medley with Seasoned Butter is a delightful appetizer that brings out the natural flavors of various shellfish cooked over a hot grill or in the oven. This recipe allows you to choose your favorite seafood or combine different types to create a succulent panroast. Whether you opt for clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp, or scallops, this dish promises a tantalizing burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
Yield: 4 appetizer servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 30 to 40 clams or mussels or 24 oysters, well washed
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- Tabasco or other hot sauce, to taste (optional)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
- Other seafood options: shell-on or peeled shrimp, in-shell scallops
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill until it reaches a high temperature, or preheat the oven to 500°F. If using a grill, place the seafood directly on the grates or use a basket to grill them. For oven cooking, arrange the seafood in a roasting pan and slide it into the oven.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add hot sauce and lemon juice to the butter and let it sizzle for a couple of minutes, creating a tantalizing seasoned butter.
- As the clams or mussels begin to open during cooking, which may take varying times, transfer them to a platter. For stubborn ones, move them to hotter parts of the grill to aid in opening. While it’s preferable to keep the liquor inside the shells of opened clams, don’t worry if some gets lost.
- Once all the seafood is cooked, drizzle the seasoned butter over them for an added burst of flavor. Be cautious as the shells will be hot. Use a small knife to open any clams or mussels that might still be closed. If they were alive before cooking, they are safe to consume.
- Shuck the oysters, saving as much liquid as possible in the bottom shells along with the oysters. Discard the top shells. Prepare a barbecue sauce by melting butter and combining it with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Optionally, add hot sauce, horseradish, or lemon juice for added zest. Place the oysters, face up, on the grill and spoon a dollop of the barbecue sauce on each one. Cook until the sauce dries out slightly and the oysters turn opaque.
- Serve the grilled seafood medley with seasoned butter or the California-style grilled oysters with your choice of accompaniments such as oyster crackers or crusty bread.
VARIATIONS:
This recipe offers numerous possibilities to experiment with flavors. For example, you can try steaming the clams or mussels in various styles, such as French, Thai, or curry broth. You can also enhance the seafood with different stir-ins, like bacon, ham, prosciutto, or spicy sausage. Garnish with fresh herbs and chives for an added touch of sophistication.
Prepare to delight your guests with this delicious and versatile seafood appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a dinner party, the grilled seafood medley with seasoned butter will surely impress and leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy the rich blend of flavors that perfectly complements the tender and succulent shellfish, making this dish an absolute favorite among seafood enthusiasts.
