How to Shuck an Oyster

Step 1: Shell Check
Make sure your oysters are still alive by checking that their shells are tightly closed. Scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water. Have the proper tools: an oyster knife and a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Flat Side Up
Set the oyster, flat side up, on the work surface and cover most of the oyster with a kitchen towel, if desired. Insert an oyster knife between the shells, near the hinge.

Step 3: Twist the Blade
Twist the knife to pop open the shells.

Step 4: Scrape
Using the sharp side of the oyster knife, scrape the meat from the top shell. Remove the top shell.

Step 5: Bottom Run
Run the sharp side of the oyster knife along the bottom shell to loosen the oyster from the shell. Turn the oyster over in the shell.

Step 6: Oyster Time!
Set the oysters in the shell on a bed of rock salt. Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, mignonette or sea salt.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

• Oysters
• Lemon
• Cocktail Sauce
• Mignonette or Sea Salt
• Stiff Brush
• Kitchen Towel
• Oyster Knife