If the thought of eating an uncooked or raw oyster makes you feel queasy, perhaps you should try cooking one first. Although steamed or baked mussels are fine, grilled oysters are irresistible. Imagine eating them hot, evenly cooked along with your favorite sauce straight from the grill; yummy, isn’t it!
But it would help if you considered that grilling oysters could be tricky. That is why grilling oysters using an oyster grilling pan will make your task a piece of cake. They allow you to complete your job quickly, safely, and without much mess. But what will you need to consider when shopping for an oyster grill pan?
We look at the main criteria you need to know to help you choose the right grill for your needs. We glance at each pan and point them out for you.
The Best 3 Oysters Grilling Pans
Outset 76225 Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan, 12 Cavities, Black It weighs 8.6 pounds ( 13.25 x 19.25 x 1 inch.)
Durable & Long Lasting
- This cast iron grill is made from heavy-duty materials that can last you a lifetime and beyond. You can easily maintain and clean it due to its nonstick coating.
Versatile Cookware
- The versatile design of this oyster grill allows you to use it for many different foods. You can make cornbread, mac, cheese, drop biscuits, and much more!
Easy To Clean
- All parts are detachable, and the surface is nonstick, which means your food will not stick to it, and you can easily clean them. No worries about dirty pieces in the bottom!
Maintains Its Shape
- The shape of the pan is solid, so it won’t crack or bend even when fully loaded with ingredients or left unattended on a hot stovetop.
Capacity
- You can grill 12 oysters per time, which will make the grilling task faster and easier. It’s suitable for either a shucked oyster or on the half shell. You can use this pan as a serving plate for catering your oysters after grilling them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can use it to grill, oven, and serve—all in one.
- Retains heat and evenly cooks oysters.
- Works great with either an oven or a grill.
- Perfect for parties and large gatherings.
- Solid and durable material.
Cons
- It seems to be a little bit heavy
- Some spots are not smooth like other pan spots, making cleaning challenges.
Read more , Best Omelette Pan Review
Bayou Classic 7413 – Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan It weighs 9.48 pounds ( 19 x 13 x 3 inches )
Oven-to-Table Presentation
- You can use this pan to grill seafood on the half-shell outside on the grill or in the oven. Once the seafood is cooked, use it as a serving plate for catering your oysters after grilling them.
Oven Safe
- Oven safe up to 750 degrees F. The cast iron construction is an excellent alternative to nonstick or aluminum pans.
Easy to Clean and Maintenance
- This type of pan is easy to clean due to the nonstick coating. Just wash gently with a damp cloth or soak in warm water and soap. This helps you save money in the long run because you won’t need to buy new pans as often.
Keeps food hot and ready for hours
- Retains heat and evenly cooks oysters.
High Quality, Durable Material
- The cast iron construction of this pan gives you a high-quality pan that will last you a lifetime.
Capacity
- You can grill 12 oysters per time, either on the half shell or shucked, which will make the grilling task faster and easier.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can use it to grill, oven, and serve—all in one.
- Retains heat and evenly cooks oysters.
- Works great with either an oven or a grill.
- Perfect for parties and large gatherings.
- Solid and durable material.
Cons
- It seems to be a little bit heavy.
Also read , Best Toaster Oven Under 100$
Mugi 20 Pcs Set Oyster Shells Stainless Steel Reusable Dimensions of each one width 3 inch – length 5 inch – 1/2″ depth
New & Beautiful Design Oyster Baking Shells
- The set of 20-Piece Oyster Baking Shells makes it much easier for you to remove and enjoy your oysters. The large size helps you quickly prepare an entire batch of small, medium, or large oysters in one go, and you can add whatever ingredients you prefer with your oysters as vegetables, cheese, or bread crumbs.
Easy to Clean
- The dishwasher-safe stainless steel shell is easy to clean and can be used as much as possible.
Multi-Use
- The set can be used for various recipes, such as seafood, grilling, baking, broiling, cold desserts, etc.
Durable
- The durable stainless steel shell is easy to use and safe with a suitable thick bottom for good cooking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A 20 stainless steel individual pans with a storage bag.
- Works great with a campfire, an oven, or a grill.
- Perfect for parties and large gatherings.
- Durable material.
- Dishwasher safe.
- You can use them for cooking different types of food.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a tray or a cooking pan.
- They are “one-handed,” so the curl is all in one direction, making it suitable for right-handed people.
Check also , How to shuck oysters without an oyster knife
The main criteria you need to know to choose the right grill for your needs:-
1) Capacity
- A large oyster pan can hold up to 30 or more oyster shells. You probably won’t need an oversized oyster grill if you’re cooking for yourself. However, if you’re planning to host dinner parties, you might want a larger one.
- Oyster Grilling pans are versatile tools that can be used for more than just cooking seafood. You can use it to make sandwiches, shrimp, or bacon every other week (or even once a month), so your needs will determine the suitable size for you. In General, It doesn’t matter which size grill you buy, but it might be worth considering purchasing a larger one.
2) Quantity
- You can choose from various options when purchasing your pan. You can buy one grilling pan or a set of two and more; both are available. A single oyster grilling pan is usually large enough for cooking around 12 oysters at once. It may be a single large well or a series of smaller wells.
- If you’re planning a party where you want to serve oysters but don’t want to spend a lot of time preparing them, consider buying grilling sets of individual oyster shells. These allow you to cook as many oysters as you want and easily customize the number of oysters you cook for your event.
3) Materials
- Several factors affect the durability of an oyster grill. The material used to construct the product will play a significant role in determining its longevity. A surface that withstands heat and endures high temperatures for a more extended period will provide the best results.
4) Cast iron
- Cast iron oyster grill pans are ideal for cooking seafood dishes because they heat evenly and last forever. Cast iron pans are usually enameled with a nonstick layer so seafood won’t stick to the bottom of the pan, and cleaning it will be easier.
5) Stainless steel
- Stainless steel pans weigh less than cast iron and are also cleaned easily. But be careful not to burn your food while using them as stainless steel pans’ temperature rises faster than cast iron pans.
6) Aluminum
- Aluminum pans are lighter than stainless steel ones and can withstand high grill temperatures. They are good at distributing heat and are available at reasonable prices. But be aware that they are not as durable as stainless steel pans.
7) Ceramic stoneware
- Ceramic stoneware nonstick grills don’t last quite as long as the others we’ve talked about. However, they have an attractive appearance and provide better thermal insulation quality.
8) Pan surface
- Oyster grill pans may be shaped differently, including shell-shaped wells, circular cavities, polygonal bottoms, or other shapes. They can also have smooth nonstick surfaces, especially cast iron skillets, so removing your oyster from its shell is easy.
Read more , How To Choose Oyster Knife
9) Handles
- It’s hard to deal with grilling pans without handles, unlike pans with one or two handles. The second ones are easy to hold and move on and off the grill without burning yourself. The handles also provide an excellent balance to the pan. A heat-resistant handle will be a great choice if they are available.
10) A manual guide
- Because there are so many different types of oyster grills, your chosen one must include all the necessary documentation to use it correctly. You’ll need to know how to clean them, store them, extend their life, and most importantly, what they’re best suited for. Those who include recipes for beginners get extra points.
11) Evenly Heating
- A pan should distribute heat evenly across the surface of whatever you’re cooking. If a pan you are using doesn’t evenly distribute the heat, one piece of your cooked food will be significantly better than another. It mainly depends on the material of the pan you use and how many oysters you bake at once.
12) Other Important Tips
- Oyster grills are versatile enough to cook other foods besides oysters. If you have a small amount of storage space in the kitchen, look for a multipurpose pan.
- It’s not just about grilling. You can use these pans for baking delicious recipes, such as Baked Oysters and Rockefeller. A pan with large numbers of small digs may also be used as appetizer plates.
- If you’re going to use a cast iron pan, you might want to season it first. If your pan didn’t arrive pre-seasoned, but you want to use it now, you can follow the manufacturer’s care and usage instructions to season it before cooking with it.
Also check , How To Shuck Oysters At Home
FAQS’ about Oyster Grilling Pans
What is the best way to use a cast iron oyster grill pan?
Before cooking oysters, make sure that the pan has been seasoned well, as this helps minimize sticking. Pre-heating the pan helps to ensure that oysters cook evenly and quickly. Be careful not to drop it; it can be pretty heavy and thicker than stainless steel or aluminum pans.
How much can you expect to spend on an oyster grill pan?
- $20 and lower, At that price, you can get an oyster griller with around 12 oysters at a time. Aluminum Pans are usually the common ones in this range, and they are not quite as durable as the other options.
- From$20 to $35, You will find pans from various materials, including stainless steel and cast iron. Most of these pans have a larger capacity for oysters than cheap ones.
- More than $35, Oyster grill pans of this range usually hold 20 to 30 oysters. Pans made from enameled cast iron and ceramics are popular at this price point.
How long do chilled oysters take to cook when using a grill?
It depends on several things, including how hot your grill is, what kind of grilling pan you’re using, whether they are shuck or unshucked, and whether you’ve added any additional toppings to them. Most oysters will take about five to six minutes to cook thoroughly.
Are oyster grill pans dishwasher safe?
Some pans are dishwashing safe while others are not. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, but here are some general tips:
Are oyster grill pans dishwasher safe?
Some pans are dishwashing safe while others are not. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, but here are some general tips:
Stainless steel and aluminum pots or pans
- You can usually use the dishwasher to clean them; it’s safe.
Cast iron
- It would be best if you cleaned them by hand in a gentle way because harsh soaps or scrubbing could remove their seasoning.
- To clean a dirty cast iron pan effectively, use a salted cloth to wipe away any food stuck to the surface.
- It is imperative to let your cast iron pan cool down before washing it, as washing a hot pan with cold water can cause a thermal shock that will lead to a pan crack.
What to Serve With Grilled Oysters?
- French bread is recommended, but any crustier bread will be a great companion since it can help soak up some of the oyster juice and make a delicious bite. For a different way, use homemade mini cornbread.
- Homemade potato chips and potato wedges are also neutral-tasting sides that go well with the bold taste of grilled oysters.
- Cabbage-based coleslaws and salads dressed with citrusy vinegar are perfect sides for oysters!
