Oysters are one of those divisive foods that people either love or hate. If you like oysters, their briny, ocean-fresh taste is great, but if you haven’t tried them yet, it might turn you off. But if you like oysters, you’ve probably thought about having them for breakfast at some point. Oysters are tasty and good for you, and who wouldn’t want to start the day with the taste of the sea?
Eating oysters for breakfast may sound unconventional, but it used to be commonplace. Back in the 1800s, oysters were so plentiful and inexpensive in cities like New York that they were considered a breakfast staple, especially for the working class These days, oysters feel more like a luxury than an everyday food So should you really eat them for breakfast? Or is this just a crazy food trend?
A Brief History of Eating Oysters for Breakfast
To understand the tradition of eating oysters for breakfast, we have to go back in time Oysters were a cheap, readily available source of protein for many East Coast cities in the 1800s In fact, oysters were so abundant that prices dropped as low as $1 per 100 oysters in the mid 1800s – cheaper than meat or eggs!
New York City was known for its luxurious “oyster cellars” where people would go to eat freshly shucked oysters by the dozen The most iconic oyster dishes were stews, pan roasts, andHangtown fry (a skillet scramble with eggs, bacon, and fried oysters) For the working class, a belly full of oysters was an inexpensive way to start the day.
Even back then, there was debate over whether oysters were too “heavy” to eat in the morning. But their nutrition and affordability made them a breakfast staple anyway. Of course, the oyster craze died down as overharvesting caused supplies to dwindle. But the tradition of eating them for breakfast carried on for decades in coastal towns.
Are Oysters Healthy For Breakfast?
That being said, if you’re not sure about having oysters for breakfast, you might be wondering if they’re actually good for you or if they’re too heavy and rich. The answer is that oysters can be part of a healthy breakfast. Here’s a quick look at their health benefits:
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High in protein – Just 5 medium oysters contain 6 grams of protein. The protein in oysters provides steady, long-lasting energy.
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This oyster dish is packed with zinc—a serving gives you a whopping 500% of your RDA of zinc. This mineral supports immunity and wound healing.
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Rich in iron – Oysters provide the iron you need to make healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Much more iron than you’d get from cereal!
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Omega-3 fatty acids – Oysters contain anti-inflammatory omega-3s that are good for your heart, brain, and joints.
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Low-cal and low-carb – With less than 100 calories and 5 grams of carbs per serving, oysters can help you manage your weight and blood sugar.
So it seems that oysters are actually an awesome choice for a well-balanced breakfast! The combo of high-quality protein, vital minerals, and healthy fats will help keep you energized all morning long.
Tips for Making Oysters for Breakfast
If you’re sold on trying oysters for breakfast, how exactly should you prepare them? Here are some serving suggestions and tips:
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Raw oysters – For oyster purists, nothing beats slurping down raw oysters straight from the shell. Serve chilled on a bed of crushed ice with lemon wedges for squeezing. Add a slice of buttered whole grain toast for crunch.
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Hangtown Fry – Recreate a historic oyster breakfast with this diner-style scramble of cornmeal coated oysters, eggs, and bacon fried up together. Serve with home fries or grits.
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Oyster scramble – Saute shucked oysters with veggies like onions, spinach, and tomatoes. Then scramble in eggs and cheese. Serve over toast for a hearty breakfast.
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Smoked salmon and oysters – Combine smoked salmon with chilled raw oysters for a savory, briny duo. Serve with a toasted bagel, tomato slices, and cream cheese or yogurt sauce.
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Oyster stew – Warm up with a creamy oyster stew made with milk, butter, potatoes, carrots, celery, and fresh shucked oysters. Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for extra comfort.
No matter which preparation you choose, be sure to handle oysters safely. Look for tightly closed shells, use gloves when shucking, and fully cook oysters to 145°F. Store shucked oysters for no longer than 7-10 days.
Pairing Oysters and Drinks for Breakfast
What should you sip alongside those morning oysters? Some perfect pairings include:
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Mimosa – The bright acidity of orange juice and dry bubbles of champagne or prosecco are ideal for cutting through the rich, salty flavor of oysters. Basically required for an oyster brunch!
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Bloody Mary – This savory, spicy tomato cocktail is another complementary match for oysters, especially when garnished with a fresh oyster.
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Dry white wine – A crisp, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc matches the briny merroir flavor of oysters beautifully.
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Irish stout beer – The roasty creaminess of stout beers like Guinness contrasts nicely with the saltiness of oysters.
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Earl grey tea – For a non-alcoholic option, brew up some bergamot-scented Earl Grey tea. The citrusy flavor balances out the oysters.
Starting your day with oysters might not be traditional, but it could become your new favorite breakfast tradition when you experience the incredible flavors. Just take care to source high-quality fresh oysters and handle them safely. With some toast, eggs, and a mimosa on the side, oysters can be an indulgent yet nutritious way to kick off your morning.
Hangtown Fry Recipe | Sunday Brunch
- 6 oysters, shucked
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 eggs, beaten
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- Sliced scallions (optional garnish)
- Sliced cherry tomatoes (optional garnish)
- Cover each oyster with flour, then egg, and finally cornmeal. Set them aside until you’re ready to use them. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the bacon and cook it until it turns brown. Place on a paper towel to drain, and when it’s cool enough to touch, chop them up into large pieces. Add the breaded oysters to the pan with the bacon fat that’s still there. Cook for about two minutes on each side, until the oysters are just firm and the cornmeal starts to brown. Remove oysters from pan and reserve. If you need to, add more vegetable oil to the pan and add the onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft.
- Carefully wipe the pan down with a paper towel after taking it off the heat, or wash it all and put it back on the heat. The butter should melt over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the beaten egg. Once the bubbles have gone down, add the beaten egg and swirl the pan so the egg covers the whole bottom. Move the egg carefully to a large dish or platter when it’s set but still a little wet on top. Place oysters, bacon, and onions on one side of the omelet. Carefully fold the other half of the omelet over the filling. Add scallions on top and serve with Bloody Marys and buttered toast.
How to eat oysters (and not be weirded out) – Edible Education – KING 5 Evening
FAQ
Do people eat oysters for breakfast?
Can you eat oysters on empty stomach?
What time should you not eat oysters?
Is it safe to eat oysters daily?
Should I eat oysters whole?
Rather than swallowing whole, I recommend biting into the oyster so the full flavor profile can be experienced. Also, when consuming an oyster in the shell, remember the ‘oyster liquor’ is there to be enjoyed. The oyster shell contains this liquor, which is full of a briny flavor, so there is no need to remove before consuming.
Are oysters good for health?
Oysters are good sources of copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin D. People suffering from osteoporosis are recommended to have oysters in combination with calcium. They are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, A, folate and other B complex vitamins. Always cook seafoods as they harbor many bacteria, viruses and parasites.
What to eat with oysters?
Change up your typical omelette with an oyster omelette, a marriage of oysters, chilies and green onions in a crispy batter. The recipe today is all about oysters and their pretty interesting marriage with eggs. Oysters seem to be one of the things where you either love them or hate them. So for lovers of oysters, here’s something you can try.
How do you eat oysters in a restaurant?
Restaurants often present oysters on a bed of ice and with common accouterments, such as lemon wedges, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, mignonette sauce (a mix of vinegar, shallots and pepper) and horseradish. 4. Tilt and slurp Cavan Images/Getty Images