Oysters Mosca

Oysters Mosca

Introduction

Oysters Mosca is a scrumptious dish that brings a taste of the sea to your table. With its creamy garlic butter sauce and crunchy topping, it’s a hit at family dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to impress your guests, this dish is sure to delight.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is simple yet packs in so much flavor! It uses fresh oysters and common pantry ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, weekends, or even a cozy weekday meal. Everyone will love digging into these savory oysters and appreciate the effort you put into making them!

How to Make Oysters Mosca

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces shucked oysters and their liquor
• 2/3 cup bread crumbs
• 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 2 ounces)
• 2½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2½ teaspoons homemade Creole seasoning (or store-bought)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (from 4 scallions)
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (from 4 large cloves)
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving

Directions:

1. Drain the oysters and keep the oyster liquor. You should have about ½ cup of this flavorful liquid.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Set this mixture aside.
3. Preheat your oven. Place one rack in the center and another about 4 inches from the broiler. Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
4. In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the scallions and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring for about 3 minutes, until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and stir until it’s very fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Lower the heat if needed to avoid browning the garlic.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the scallions and garlic. Stir in the parsley and add the thyme sprigs. Slowly pour in the oyster liquor and cook until most of the liquid evaporates—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove and toss out the thyme sprigs.
6. Gently add the oysters to the skillet, stirring just until they are covered in the buttery sauce. Make sure they’re in a single layer, not overlapping. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake in the oven on the center rack until bubbling on the edges, about 12 to 15 minutes. If the top isn’t golden brown yet, turn on the broiler for a minute or two until it is. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm with lemon wedges and crispy toasted baguette slices or crackers.

How to Serve Oysters Mosca

Serve Oysters Mosca warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with fresh lemon wedges for a nice zing and crunchy baguette slices or crackers to scoop up all that delicious garlicky sauce. It’s a perfect dish for sharing during a gathering or as a special treat at home.

How to Store Oysters Mosca

If you have leftovers (which is rare but possible), let the dish cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven (not the microwave) to restore some of the wonderful texture.

Tips to Make Oysters Mosca

• Make sure to use fresh oysters for the best flavor. You can visit your local seafood market or grocery store to find them.
• Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle on top. It adds extra flavor and helps the breadcrumbs get nice and crispy.
• If you love a bit more spice, feel free to add more Creole seasoning or even some red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch!

Variation

You can personalize this dish by adding other herbs or toppings. Consider including chopped bacon for added crunch or swapping out the parsley for chives. You could also replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned oysters?
   Yes, you can, but fresh oysters are recommended for the best flavor and texture.

2. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
   Any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work. Just make sure to spread the oysters evenly!

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the toppings and oyster mixture earlier and assemble just before baking.