Forget the hassle and intimidation of preparing oysters! These Instant Pot Party Oysters are your ticket to a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 15 minutes. Steaming them under pressure pops the shells open just enough, making them incredibly easy to shuck. Drizzled with rich, melted butter, they are a simple, elegant, and utterly delicious way to kick off any celebration.
Ingredients
• 36 Fresh Oysters, in the shell, scrubbed clean
• 1 cup / 240 ml Water
• 6 tbsp / 85 g Unsalted Butter, melted
• Optional for serving: Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Scrub the oysters thoroughly under cold running water to remove any sand or debris.
3. Place the metal trivet inside your Instant Pot and arrange the cleaned oysters on top of it.
4. Pour the water into the bottom of the inner pot, being careful not to pour it directly over the oysters.
5. Secure the lid, turn the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position, and select ‘Pressure Cook’ (or ‘Manual’) on High for 3 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the ‘Venting’ position.
7. Using tongs, carefully transfer the oysters to a serving platter. The shells will have opened slightly. Discard any that remained fully closed.
8. Drizzle the warm, melted butter over the oysters. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Per Serving (6 oysters): Calories 145 | Total Fat 12g | Net Carbs 1g | Protein 13g | Fiber 0g
Pro Tips
• When buying oysters, ensure their shells are tightly closed and they feel heavy for their size. This indicates they are fresh and alive.
• While the Instant Pot helps pop the shells, you will still need an oyster knife to fully open them. Use a folded kitchen towel to hold the oyster securely for a safe grip.
• Elevate your melted butter by infusing it with minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like chives or dill.
• Don’t discard the flavorful liquid (oyster liquor) inside the shell! It’s a delicious part of the experience.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my oysters are fresh
A: When buying oysters, ensure their shells are tightly closed and they feel heavy for their size. This is the best indicator that they are fresh and alive.
Q: Do I still need an oyster knife for this recipe
A: Yes, while the Instant Pot helps pop the shells open slightly, you will still need an oyster knife to fully open them and loosen the oyster from the shell.
Q: What should I do if some oysters don’t open after cooking
A: If any oysters remain fully closed after the pressure cooking cycle, they should be discarded and not eaten.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the melted butter
A: Absolutely! You can easily enhance the melted butter by infusing it with minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like chives or dill.
