Grilled Miso Butter Oysters

Grilled Miso Butter Oysters 

Level

Easy

Time

35 Min

SErves

2

Ingredients:

  • 12 fresh oysters, shucked (keep the shells!)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional Caviar & Flowers for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the miso butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, miso paste, minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Shuck those oysters: Carefully shuck the oysters, keeping the liquor (the liquid inside the shells) intact. Place each oyster back into its half-shell.
  3. Butter ’em up: Spoon about a half-teaspoon of the miso butter mixture onto each oyster. You want to get enough to coat the top but not overwhelm the delicate oyster flavor.
  4. Grill time: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the oysters on the grill (shell side down, of course), and cook for 4-5 minutes until the butter is bubbly, and the oysters have just firmed up.
  5. Serve: Remove from the grill and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright burst of citrus. or my favourite caviar and flowers from my garden for decoration.

Miso & Oysters - A delicious and healthy combo!

Oysters:

  • High in Zinc: Oysters are famous for their zinc content, which supports immune health, helps with wound healing, and boosts testosterone production.
  • Rich in Protein: These little guys are high in lean protein, making them great for muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Low in Calories: Despite being rich in flavor, oysters are low in calories—perfect if you’re looking for a nutritious, yet light meal.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Oysters provide essential omega-3s, which are great for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function.

Miso:

  • Gut-Friendly: Miso is a fermented food, loaded with probiotics, which help improve digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Rich in Nutrients: Miso contains B vitamins, particularly B12, which is essential for energy production and brain health.
  • Antioxidants: Miso is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and support overall health.

Together:

  • Immune Support: The zinc in oysters and the probiotic nature of miso make this combo a strong ally in boosting your immune system.
  • Healthy Fats Meet Probiotics: The omega-3s from oysters pair perfectly with miso’s probiotics to support heart health and lower inflammation.
  • Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense: Both oysters and miso are low in calories but packed with nutrients, making this a light yet filling choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor or health benefits.

Biochemistry Fact!

Oysters are rich in zinc, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous biochemical processes in the body, including immune function, DNA synthesis, and protein production. Zinc is also vital for the proper function of enzymes involved in cellular metabolism and helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and overall growth. Oysters are one of the best natural sources of bioavailable zinc, making them a great option for supporting these critical bodily functions.

Chilli Mussels

Tray baked chilli mussels

Level

Easy

Time

35 Min

SErves

4

Ingredients:

  • 2 kg (4.4 lbs) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 250gm cherry tomatos halved
  • 1 large onion, finely sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 red chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 long ref chillies sliced in half
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup) white wine
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander (or parsley), chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Prepare the Mussels: Ensure all mussels are clean and discard any that are open and do not close when they remain closed.
  3. Prepare the Tray: In a large baking tray, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread the sliced cherry tomatoes, long red chillies and onions evenly across the tray.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chillies, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, white wine, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavours.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the tomato and wine mixture over the cherry tomatoes and onions in the baking tray. Toss to combine. Spread the mussels evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle fresh coriander or parsley over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Mussels (NZ green-lipped mussels)

Mussels are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for brain health. These omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of brain cells, supporting cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption of mussels, rich in these nutrients, has been linked to improved mental health, including a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, mussels provide important vitamins such as B12, which is vital for nerve function and the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

Chemistry Fact!

An interesting chemistry fact about mussels is their ability to produce a unique adhesive substance that allows them to firmly attach to rocks and other surfaces in aquatic environments. This adhesive is composed of proteins called mussel foot proteins (Mfps), which contain a high concentration of an amino acid called 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). DOPA is crucial for adhesive properties, as it forms strong bonds with both organic and inorganic surfaces, even underwater. This natural glue is so effective and versatile that scientists are studying it to develop new, bio-inspired adhesives for medical and industrial applications.

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