Name: Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Oysters:; 24 fresh oysters; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves; ¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs; 1 Jalapeno; 1 shallot; 1 fennel bulb; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 2 cups collard green; 3 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; 4 slices Bacon; ¼ cup dry sherry; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; rock salt; For Mignonette:; 1 peach; 1 tsp honey; ¾ cup champagne vinegar; 1 shallot; 1 tsp fresh chives; ¼ tsp black peppercorn

Inspired by Deborah VanTrece, these baked oysters are a perfect blend of Southern comfort and gourmet flair. The combination of bacon, jalapeño, and collard greens creates a unique and flavorful topping, while a peach mignonette adds a delightful tang.

Photos of Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe

Certain ingredients in this recipe, such as panko breadcrumbs, dry sherry, and fresh oysters, might be uncommon in your pantry. Ensure you also find fresh fennel bulb and champagne vinegar at your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Deborah VanTrece Inspired Oysters Recipe

Oysters: Fresh and briny, these form the base of the dish

Butter: Adds richness to the sautéed vegetables

Garlic cloves: Provides aromatic flavor

Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture

Jalapeño: Brings a touch of heat

Shallot: Adds a subtle onion flavor

Fennel bulb: Contributes a mild anise flavor

Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous notes

Collard greens: Adds a Southern touch and earthy flavor

Olive oil: Enhances flavor and texture of the topping

Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, cheesy finish

Bacon: Adds smokiness and texture

Dry sherry: Brings depth and complexity

Kosher salt: Seasons the dish throughout

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity

Rock salt: Used to stabilize the oysters during baking

Peach: Adds sweetness to the mignonette

Honey: Balances acidity in the mignonette

Champagne vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy note

Chives: Adds mild onion flavor to the mignonette

Black peppercorn: Adds slight heat and flavor to the mignonette

One reader, Elna Thayer says:

Deborah Vantrece's inspired oysters recipe is a culinary delight! The blend of collard greens, bacon, and parmesan creates a rich, savory topping, while the peach mignonette adds a refreshing twist. Perfectly balanced and absolutely delicious!

Elna Thayer

Techniques Required for Preparing Oysters

How to shuck oysters: Use an oyster knife to carefully open the oyster shell, separating the top shell from the bottom while preserving the oyster meat. How to sauté garlic: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, usually 2 to 3 minutes. How to wilt collard greens: Cook collard greens in a skillet over medium heat until they become soft and reduced in volume, usually 5 to 7 minutes. How to make mignonette: Combine diced peach, honey, champagne vinegar, minced shallot, chopped chives, and crushed black peppercorns in a bowl and whisk together.

This stuffed oyster recipe is inspired by Chef Deborah VanTrece’s and is serves exceptional seafood for a feast. It’s stuffed and topped with delicious ingredients such as peach, collard greens, bread crumbs, and bits of bacon. Create this meal in less than 55 minutes and impress your loved ones in your fancy dinner for two.

How To Make Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters

These stuffed oysters recipe are just out of this world. We’ve added peaches, collard greens, crunchy bread crumbs, and bits of bacon for a delicious meal.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Oysters:

24fresh oysters
4tbspunsalted butter
2garlic cloves,minced
¼cuppanko breadcrumbs
1jalapeño,seeded and minced
1shallot,medium, minced
1fennel bulb,small, finely chopped
1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
2cupscollard green,thinly sliced
3tbspolive oil
¼cupparmesan cheese,grated
4slicesbacon,cooked, crumbled
¼cupdry sherry
1tspkosher salt
1tspblack pepper
rock salt,for serving

For Mignonette:

1peach,large, pitted and finely chopped
1tsphoney
¾cupchampagne vinegar
1shallot,medium, minced
1tspfresh chives,finely chopped
¼tspblack peppercorn,cracked

Instructions

Oysters:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Shuck the oysters. Discard the empty shells and arrange the oysters on the half shell on a rimmed baking sheet.
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and half of the garlic butter. Let sit until ready to use so the panko absorbs the butter.
Return the skillet with the remaining garlic butter to medium heat.
Add the jalapeño, shallot, fennel, parsley, and collard greens.
Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the collard greens are wilted. Add the salt, pepper, and sherry. Cook for 5 minutes more to meld the flavors. Remove the pan from the heat.
Meanwhile, to the bowl with the bread crumbs, add the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and bacon. Toss to incorporate.
Spread a generous layer of rock salt on a large ovenproof baking dish or platter.
Top the oysters with a spoonful each of the collard green mixture and bread crumb mixture.
Arrange the oysters on the platter, nestling the shells into the salt. Transfer to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheesy bread crumbs have browned.

Mignonette:

While the oysters bake, make the mignonette. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peach, honey, vinegar, shallot, chives, and pepper.
To serve, top each oyster with a bit of mignonette.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 277.62kcal
Fat: 17.19g
Saturated Fat: 6.28g
Trans Fat: 0.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.52g
Carbohydrates: 14.25g
Fiber: 1.83g
Sugar: 4.05g
Protein: 15.38g
Cholesterol: 82.40mg
Sodium: 530.81mg
Calcium: 96.89mg
Potassium: 426.43mg
Iron: 6.73mg
Vitamin A: 179.45µg
Vitamin C: 19.32mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Oyster Recipes

When shucking oysters, use a thick kitchen towel to hold the oyster securely in one hand while you insert the oyster knife into the hinge of the shell. Twist the knife to pop the shell open, then slide the knife along the top shell to sever the muscle. This will help you avoid any injuries and ensure a cleanly shucked oyster.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the garlic, jalapeño, shallot, fennel, and collard greens ahead of time to streamline cooking.

Use pre-shucked oysters: Purchase pre-shucked oysters to save time and effort.

Cook bacon beforehand: Fry the bacon earlier and crumble it, so it's ready to mix with the bread crumbs.

Make mignonette ahead: Prepare the mignonette sauce in advance and refrigerate it until needed.

Use food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop vegetables like fennel and shallots.

Substitute Ingredients For Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe

fresh oysters - Substitute with clams: Clams have a similar texture and briny flavor, making them a good alternative for oysters.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee provides a rich, buttery flavor and can be used in the same quantities.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle onion-garlic taste.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile.
shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onions can provide a similar sweet and mild flavor.
fennel bulb - Substitute with celery: Celery offers a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to parsley.
collard green - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can be used in the same way as collard greens.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor and high smoke point.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty, nutty flavor.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta provides a similar salty, fatty flavor and can be used in the same way.
dry sherry - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine can provide a similar depth of flavor.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of seasoning.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and can be used in the same quantities.
rock salt - Substitute with coarse sea salt: Coarse sea salt can provide a similar texture and function.
peach - Substitute with nectarine: Nectarines have a similar sweetness and texture.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantities.
champagne vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a similar acidity and flavor.
shallot - Substitute with green onion: Green onions can offer a similar mild onion flavor.
fresh chives - Substitute with green onion tops: Green onion tops can provide a similar mild, fresh flavor.
black peppercorn - Substitute with pink peppercorn: Pink peppercorns offer a similar peppery flavor with a slightly fruity note.

Presenting Deborah Vantrece's Inspired Oysters

Use a large, elegant platter: Select a large, elegant platter to present the oysters. This will provide a grand stage for the dish and allow for a visually appealing arrangement.
Create a bed of rock salt: Spread a generous layer of rock salt on the platter. This not only stabilizes the oysters but also adds a touch of rustic elegance.
Arrange oysters symmetrically: Place the oysters on the half shell in a symmetrical pattern on the rock salt. Ensure each oyster is nestled securely into the salt to prevent tipping.
Top with collard green mixture: Add a spoonful of the collard green mixture to each oyster. The vibrant green color will contrast beautifully with the shell and breadcrumb topping.
Add breadcrumb mixture: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the collard greens, ensuring an even distribution. The golden brown crumbs will add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finish each oyster with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serve mignonette in a separate dish: Present the mignonette in a small, elegant bowl on the side. This allows diners to add the peach and champagne vinegar mixture to their taste.
Use fine dining utensils: Provide small, elegant forks or oyster knives for easy handling. This enhances the dining experience and maintains the dish's sophistication.
Add a touch of luxury: Consider placing a few edible gold flakes on top of the oysters for an extra touch of luxury and visual allure.
Light the platter: If possible, use a small, focused light to highlight the oysters. This will make the dish stand out and draw attention to its intricate details.

Essential Tools for Making Oyster Recipes

Oven: Used to bake the oysters at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheesy bread crumbs have browned.
Rimmed baking sheet: Holds the shucked oysters on the half shell for baking.
Medium skillet: Melts the butter and sautés the garlic, jalapeño, shallot, fennel, parsley, and collard greens.
Medium bowl: Mixes the bread crumbs with the garlic butter and later incorporates the olive oil, parmesan cheese, and bacon.
Large ovenproof baking dish or platter: Holds the rock salt and nests the oysters for baking.
Knife: Chops the garlic, jalapeño, shallot, fennel, parsley, and collard greens.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the ingredients.
Shucking knife: Opens the oysters and separates them from their shells.
Spoon: Adds the collard green mixture and bread crumb mixture to the oysters.
Whisk: Mixes the ingredients for the mignonette.
Measuring cups: Measures the dry sherry, champagne vinegar, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Measures the salt, pepper, honey, and other small quantities of ingredients.
Rock salt: Provides a stable base for the oysters on the baking dish.
Serving platter: Presents the baked oysters with mignonette for serving.

Interesting Fact About Oysters

A unique aspect of this Deborah Vantrece inspired oysters recipe is the incorporation of collard greens, which adds a Southern twist to the traditional oyster dish. This combination of flavors showcases the chef's creativity and highlights the versatility of Southern cuisine.

Is Making Oyster Recipes at Home Cost-Effective?

This oysters recipe, inspired by Deborah VanTrece, is a delightful yet luxurious dish. The combination of fresh oysters, collard greens, bacon, and a unique peach mignonette offers a gourmet experience. However, the cost of fresh oysters, champagne vinegar, and dry sherry can add up. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $50-$60. Considering the premium ingredients, the overall verdict for cost-effectiveness is a 6 out of 10.

Is This Oyster Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for Deborah Vantrece-inspired oysters is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. The recipe includes several high-fat ingredients, such as butter, bacon, and parmesan cheese, which can contribute to increased calorie and saturated fat intake. Additionally, the use of rock salt and added salt in the recipe may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.

On the positive side, the recipe does incorporate some nutritious ingredients, like collard greens, fennel, and shallots, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The mignonette also includes peaches, honey, and chives, adding a touch of natural sweetness and freshness to the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil
Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether to decrease the saturated fat content
Opt for a lower-sodium bread crumb or make your own using whole-grain bread
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more collard greens or other leafy greens
Use a reduced-fat parmesan cheese or a smaller amount of the regular variety
Serve the oysters with a side salad or other nutrient-dense vegetables to balance out the meal

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of this delicious oyster recipe while making it a bit more health-conscious. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in a treat like this occasionally can be part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Inspired Oyster Recipe

This recipe is a delightful fusion of Southern charm and sophisticated flavors. The combination of collard greens, fennel, and jalapeño adds a unique twist to the traditional oyster preparation. The use of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan provides a satisfying crunch, while the bacon infuses a smoky depth. The peach mignonette offers a refreshing, tangy contrast that elevates the dish. Overall, it's a well-balanced, innovative take on oysters that promises to impress.

Enhance Your Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Imagine the smoky char of grilled asparagus mingling with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon zest. This side dish not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery oysters.

Sweet Potato and Pecan Salad: Sweet Potato and Pecan Salad: Picture a vibrant salad featuring roasted sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans. Tossed with a light maple vinaigrette, this dish brings a delightful sweetness and crunch that complements the savory oysters perfectly.

Watermelon and Feta Skewers: Watermelon and Feta Skewers: Envision juicy cubes of watermelon paired with tangy feta cheese, threaded onto skewers for a fun and refreshing bite. The sweet and salty combination is a delightful palate cleanser between bites of your decadent oysters.

Butternut Squash Soup: Butternut Squash Soup: Think of a velvety butternut squash soup with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. This warm, comforting bowl of goodness provides a creamy, slightly sweet counterpoint to the briny oysters.

Citrus and Avocado Salad: Citrus and Avocado Salad: Visualize a refreshing salad featuring segments of orange and grapefruit mixed with creamy avocado. Drizzled with a light citrus vinaigrette, this dish offers a zesty, creamy contrast to the rich flavors of the oysters.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Oysters

Grilled Oysters With Garlic-Herb Butter: Fire up the grill and indulge in these smoky, succulent oysters. Topped with a luscious garlic-herb butter, these oysters are a perfect blend of seafood and herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty finish.

Oysters Rockefeller: A classic dish that never goes out of style. These oysters are baked with a rich mixture of spinach, butter, and Parmesan cheese. A dash of Pernod gives it that signature anise flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Oysters: For a delightful twist, wrap your oysters in crispy bacon. The salty, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the briny oysters. Serve with a side of tangy cocktail sauce for dipping.

Oyster Po' Boy Sandwich: Transport yourself to New Orleans with this iconic sandwich. Crispy fried oysters are nestled in a soft French baguette and topped with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade sauce.

Oyster Stew: Warm up with a comforting bowl of oyster stew. This creamy soup is made with fresh oysters, cream, butter, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Suggestions: Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with Oysters

Main Courses:

Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits: Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits: Delight your taste buds with this classic southern dish. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, then fried to golden perfection. Serve it alongside fluffy buttermilk biscuits, which are perfect for sopping up any extra juices. This dish is a comforting and hearty meal that will transport you straight to the heart of the South.

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of grilled salmon with the bright, refreshing taste of mango salsa. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, while the mango salsa adds a burst of sweetness and acidity. Serve it with a side of quinoa or wild rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Desserts:

Peach Cobbler: Imagine a warm, bubbling peach cobbler with a golden-brown crust, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The peaches are caramelized to perfection, creating a sweet and slightly tangy filling. The cobbler topping is buttery and flaky, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy fruit. A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic touch. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Envision a decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten center that flows out as you cut into it. The cake is rich and moist, with a deep chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. A dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries add a touch of elegance and freshness to this indulgent treat.

Why trust this Deborah Vantrece Inspired Oysters Recipe:

This recipe is inspired by the renowned chef Deborah VanTrece, ensuring a blend of creativity and expertise. The combination of fresh oysters, collard greens, and parmesan cheese creates a unique flavor profile that is both sophisticated and comforting. The addition of a peach mignonette adds a sweet and tangy twist, elevating the dish to gourmet status. Each step is meticulously detailed, guaranteeing a successful outcome even for novice cooks. Trust this recipe for a delightful culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality dining to your home.

Share your thoughts on Deborah Vantrece's inspired oysters recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

How do I shuck oysters safely?

Shucking oysters can be tricky, but with the right technique, it's manageable. Use an oyster knife and a thick glove or towel to protect your hand. Insert the knife into the hinge of the oyster and twist until it pops open. Then, slide the knife along the top shell to detach the muscle. Be careful and take your time.

Can I substitute collard greens with another green?

Absolutely! If you can't find collard greens, you can use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since these greens might wilt faster than collard greens.

What if I don't have dry sherry?

No worries! You can substitute dry sherry with a splash of white wine or even chicken broth. The idea is to add a bit of depth and acidity to the dish, so either of these substitutes will work well.

How do I know when the oysters are done baking?

The oysters are done when the cheesy bread crumbs on top are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes in a 450-degree oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Can I make the mignonette ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the mignonette ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.