Grilled oysters are a Sierra Leone specialty. Oysters are abundant on the swampy marshland that lines the coast. It is an important way for locals, especially woman, to earn a living. In some places in Sierra Leone like on Banana Island, you can actually rent some equipment and harvest your own.
Oysters can be enjoyed many ways and there are numerous recipes for them. I almost always eat them raw on the half shell whenever I get the chance. To be honest, I had only had a grilled oyster once before, and I have fallen in love. It is the perfect remedy for those too squeamish to try them raw. Seriously so easy and amazing with just a squeeze of lime.
These are so super easy and actually easier than shucking them when raw. When you put the oysters on the grill, they open themselves, who knew? You wan to set you grill to a medium heat and put the round part down.
Suddenly you will start to hear a little popping noise as they start to open. You want to take them off the grill once that happens so you can keep the brine with the oyster in the shell. I set them in my deviled egg plate which worked out perfect. You simply pop off the lid and gently loosen the oyster from the shell with a knife. You then squeeze fresh lime and you have yourself a heavenly bite. I seriously hope you try these grilled oysters. .
I was able to find fresh live oysters at my local Asian market. I think it is imperative you get the freshest possible. Perhaps maybe harvesting them yourself in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone is not on most lists of tourist destinations. They have suffered through a tragic civil war and I believe they are moving in a very good direction and wish them nothing but the best. Soon the world will learn of their beautiful beaches and abundant seafood.
If you would like to learn more about this little West African country, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Sierra Leone”. There you can also find more authentic recipes like a lovely ginger beer that goes perfectly with the grilled oysters.
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Grilled Oysters Sierra Leone Style
Ingredients
- 12 oysters fresh
- 2 limes
Instructions
- Rinse off the oysters and fire up your grill to medium heat
- Set the oysters with the round side down on the grill and as soon as you hear them to start popping open, remove them from the grill. Take care when you remove them to keep the natural liquid/ brine inside the shell, tongs work great for this. I then set them on a deviled egg tray and it worked perfect.
- Remove the tops of the oysters and with a sharp knife gently loosen the grilled oyster from the shell.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the oysters and dive in!
