Description
Miso Baked Oysters is a quick and easy West Coast-inspired dish featuring fresh oysters topped with a savory miso mayonnaise sauce, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, broiled to perfection. This flavorful recipe combines Japanese ingredients with fresh seafood to create a delightful appetizer or light meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Oysters
- 12 pieces Fresh Oysters (Substitute with any large oysters available)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Japanese Mayonnaise (For regular mayo, increase lemon juice to balance flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Miso Paste (Light miso for 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 spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (Fresh juice recommended for best flavor)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Can substitute with kale or another leafy green)
- 1 cup Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) (Omit for dairy-free version)
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 Baking Surface: Arrange oyster shells or ramekins on a baking sheet. Fill them with coarse salt to stabilize the oysters during baking, preventing them from tipping over.
- Make Miso Mayo Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise with miso paste, stirring until smooth. Blend in mirin, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Arrange Spinach: Evenly distribute fresh spinach among the oyster shells or ramekins, providing a bed for the oysters and adding freshness and texture.
- Place Oysters: Carefully place the fresh oysters on top of the spinach in each shell or ramekin, preparing them for topping and broiling.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Generously 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, bubbly finish.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, signaling that the oysters are cooked and the flavors melded.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the oysters to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors settle and ensures safe consumption temperature.
- Serve: Serve the miso baked oysters warm, ideally alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread to complement the rich flavors and provide textural contrast.
Notes
- Use fresh oysters for the best flavor and safety.
- Light miso paste provides a mild flavor, while darker miso delivers a deeper umami taste.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the cheese without compromising the overall taste.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Do not substitute mirin to maintain authentic flavor.
- Ensure the broiler is fully preheated for optimal cooking results.
- Serve immediately after cooling to best enjoy the texture and flavor.
