Description
Miso Baked Oysters are a quick and delicious West Coast-inspired appetizer featuring fresh oysters topped with a creamy miso-infused mayonnaise, fresh spinach, and melted cheese. Broiled to perfection, this dish combines umami flavors from the miso and mirin with a spicy kick from hot sauce, making it an easy yet sophisticated treat for gatherings or a special night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Oysters and Vegetables
- 12 pieces Fresh Oysters (Substitute with any large oysters available)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Can substitute with kale or another leafy green)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup Japanese Mayonnaise (For regular mayo, increase lemon juice to balance flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Miso Paste (Light miso provides a milder taste; darker varieties for deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Mirin (Do not substitute for an authentic flavor experience)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (Use any preferred brand, adjust to suit your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor)
- 1 cup Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) (Omit for a dairy-free version)
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your broiler or BBQ to high heat, around 500°F (260°C). Allow about 10 minutes for the broiler to fully heat up to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Oysters and Baking Sheet: Arrange oyster shells or ramekins on a baking sheet and fill the shells with coarse salt to stabilize the oysters so they don’t tip during cooking.
- Make Miso Mayo Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise and miso paste, stirring until smooth. Then blend in mirin, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice to achieve a balanced creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.
- Layer Spinach and Oysters: Evenly distribute the fresh spinach leaves among the oyster shells or ramekins to create a bed for the oysters.
- Add Oysters: Carefully place the fresh oysters on top of the spinach, ensuring they are stable and ready for the sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the creamy miso mayo sauce over each oyster. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a golden baked finish.
- Broil Oysters: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, indicating the oysters are cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the oysters from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes to prevent burns and to let flavors settle.
- Serve: Serve the miso baked oysters warm, optionally accompanied by a crisp salad or crusty bread to complement the rich and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality oysters for the best flavor and safety.
- Light miso paste creates a milder flavor; darker miso adds richer umami.
- If substituting Japanese mayonnaise with regular mayo, increase lemon juice to balance the taste.
- Mirin is essential for authentic flavor; avoid substituting it for other sweeteners.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Always allow oysters to cool slightly after broiling to avoid burns.
- Serving with crusty bread or salad complements the rich flavors well.
