"Inside the ruffled, rocklike armor of an oyster's shell hide endless stories: of biology, of ecology, of history, of art, of flavor, of recipes, and so much more. This book is, miraculously, the same, packed with everything an oyster lover could ever want--or need--to know."--Daniel Gritzer, culinary director, Serious Eats
"The Joy of Oysters is an anthem for the perfect oyster. Whether you're eating your first oyster (hurry up already!) or are an oyster lover like me, Nils's book will teach you all you need to know about the oyster, including all the delicious ways to eat them!"--Renee Erickson, chef and owner of the Walrus and the Carpenter
"They've been feeding people forever, but oysters are still intimidating to home cooks. Let's hope that ends here. The Joy of Oysters not only tells the story of oysters, it also shows you how to shop for them and--most important--gives you the tools and the confidence to use these beautiful bivalves in your own kitchen."--Brad Leone, New York Times bestselling author and video host
Chapter Page
Introduction 9
How to Buy Oysters 12
The Ultimate Guide to Shucking 17
Oyster Knives 24
Sauces for Raw Oysters 26
20 One-Ingredient Raw Oyster Toppings That Aren't Lemon Juice or Tabasco 35
Oysters of the United States 36
Oysters Around the World 40
How to Grow an Oyster 48
Oysters Save the World 51
The Life Cycle of an Oyster 53
The Life Immobile 56
The Strategic Hermaphrodite 57
Beware the Spawn 58
Triploid Oysters 59
Killing the "R" Rule 61
Pairing Oysters with Wine 62
Broiled Oysters 66
Oysters Rockefeller 71
Oysters Casino 72
Oysters Kilpatrick 74
Oysters with Garlic-Herb Butter 75
Deviled Oysters 76
Oysters with Pickle Butter 78
Creamy Parmesan Oysters 79
Oysters with Cider Cream 81
Pesto Oysters 82
Oysters with Creamy Fennel 83
Angels on Horseback 85
An Extremely Short History of Oysters 86
Thomas Downing, Oyster King of New York 88
Tabby Chic 90
The Bipartisan Bivalve... 92
Oyster Plates 97
Oyster Pail 98
The Bard of Bivalve 101
Rumi, the Oyster Philosopher 102
Deep-Fried Oysters 105
Panfried Oysters 108
Sauces for Fried Oysters 112
Oyster Po'Boy 120
The Hangtown Fry Problem (and Four Solutions) 122
Korean Oyster Fritters (Gul Jeon) 124
Korean Oyster Pancakes (Gul Buchimgae) 126
Indian-Inspired Fried Oysters 128
Rolled Oysters 129
Grilled Oysters 130
Steamed Oysters 133
Host a Roast 134
Pickled Oysters 136
Poached Oysters 138
Aphrodisiac? 141
Nacre Makers 143
10 Random Oyster Paintings 145
Oyster-Shell Nixtamalization 149
Why Do Some Vegans Eat Oysters? 150
Oyster Sauce 152
Sauteed Oysters with Beurre Blanc 153
Fresh Oyster Dip 154
Oyster Kinilaw 156
Mexican Oyster Cocktail 158
Oyster Spaghetti 160
Steak and Oyster Tartare 163
Salmon and Oyster Tartare 164
Japanese Oyster Rice (Kaki Meshi) 167
Brazilian Oyster Stew (Moqueca de Ostra) 168
Oyster Gumbo 171
Oyster Stew 175
Oyster Crackers 177
Oyster Fricassee 179
Irish Beef and Oyster Pie 181
Oyster Stuffing 184
Bloody Merry 186
Green Oyster Shooter 189
Oyster Tomatini 190
Resources 192
Acknowledgments 196
Index 197
Photo Credits 199