Oysters are a popular seafood delicacy enjoyed by many either raw on the half shell or cooked in recipes. But when working with fresh shucked oysters it can be tricky to know exactly how many you’re getting for a given weight or volume. This comprehensive guide examines how many shucked oysters are typically found in 8 ounces, and provides tips for purchasing, storing, and cooking with them.
Average Number of Oysters in 8 Ounces
The number of shucked oysters in 8 ounces can vary substantially based on oyster size Here are some general estimates
- Petite (2-2.5 inches): 24-30 oysters
- Small (3 inches): 16-20 oysters
- Medium (3-4 inches): 12-16 oysters
- Large (4-5 inches): 8-12 oysters
- Jumbo (5+ inches): 4-8 oysters
So in an 8 ounce container, you could have as few as 4 giant oysters or as many as 30 tiny ones. The average is typically 16-20 small to medium shucked oysters in 8 ounces.
Factors Affecting Oyster Counts
There are a few factors that determine the number of oysters you get in a certain weight:
Oyster Size – Larger oysters weigh more individually, so there will be fewer per pound. Smaller oysters take up less space and weight.
Meat to Liquor Ratio – Fatter oysters with less surrounding liquor will have higher meat content by weight. Thinner oysters in more liquid will weigh less.
Shell On or Shucked – In-shell oysters include the heavy shell, reducing meat quantity per pound. Shucked oysters contain only the meat and liquor.
How They Are Packed – Loose shucked oysters take up more space than tightly packed. Packing density affects weight counts.
Growing Region – Oyster size and shape varies regionally based on species, climate, and harvest time, impacting weight counts.
Popular Oyster Sizes
Petite (2-2.5 inches) – Often used as cocktail oysters served raw on the half shell. Average 75-100 per pound.
Small (3 inches) – Versatile shucking and cooking size. Average 8-12 per pound.
Medium (3-4 inches) – Most popular and commonly used oyster size. Average 7-10 per pound.
Large (4-5 inches) – Better for grilling, smoking, or stews. Average 4-6 per pound.
Jumbo (5+ inches) – Offer the fullest oyster flavor. Average 3-5 per pound.
For maximum taste and ease of use, medium size oysters are ideal for most applications.
Purchasing Shucked Oysters
When buying shucked oysters, here are some tips:
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Look for plump meats that appear moist and firm, not shriveled.
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Choose oysters packed in their own natural juices (“liquor”) rather than added brine.
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Make sure shells are not cracked or broken if purchasing in-shell.
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Buy pasteurized oysters for extended shelf life.
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Allow 10-12 oysters per person for a serving.
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Estimate 1 pound of shucked oysters = about 8-12 medium oysters.
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For raw consumption, select oysters approved for that use.
Buying reputable brands at trusted stores helps ensure quality and safety.
Proper Storage
Keep shucked oysters chilled at 35-40°F, stored in their liquor in an airtight container. Use within 4-10 days for peak quality, don’t freeze. Place in a bowl on ice for serving. Discard any with an off smell or appearance.
Preparing Shucked Oysters
Rinse briefly before use. To shred for cooking, roughly chop oysters with a knife. For smoking, hang shucked oysters in cheesecloth bags. For frying, coat in flour, cornmeal, or panko breadcrumbs. Remove any broken shell pieces for recipes.
Cooking Methods
- Raw on the half shell
- Smoked/grilled
- Sautéed or fried
- Soups, stews, and chowders
- Oyster stuffing
- Casseroles and bakes
- Pastas, rice, and stir fries
Delicious flavors that pair well with oysters include garlic, shallots, wine, cream, butter, bacon, lemon, and parsley.
Recipe Ideas
- Oysters Rockefeller
- Smoked oyster chowder
- Bacon fried oysters
- Oyster stuffing
- BBQ oysters on the grill
- Cajun oyster pasta
- Oyster crackers
- Oyster po’boy sandwich
With their briny taste and meaty texture, shucked oysters work well in many dishes beyond just raw presentations.
Nutrition Facts
- High in zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin C
- Low calorie – about 50 calories for 6 medium oysters
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and magnesium
- Provides powerful antioxidant benefits
Shucked oysters offer an impressive array of vitamins and minerals.
So how many shucked oysters are in 8 ounces? The quantity can range quite a bit based on oyster size – anywhere from 4 large to 30 petite oysters. For versatile cooking and eating, small to medium oysters around 3 inches are ideal, providing 16-20 per 8 ounce container. Store shucked oysters properly, buy them fresh, and use them soon for the best quality and experience. With their stellar nutrition profile and delicious briny taste, fresh shucked oysters are an amazing seafood to enjoy in many preparations.
We’ve done the shucking for you.
The best Pacific oysters come from Willapa Bay. They are picked from our fattening beds near the bay’s mouth, which are open to the clean waters of the outer coast. Oysters are shucked in a timeless and highly honorable tradition all over the world. Our expert, award winning oyster shuckers carefully separate the oyster from the shell by hand. Meat sizes include yearling, xsmall, small and medium. 16oz, 32oz,and 64oz tubs are available on line. For bulk sales, we also pack in 8oz and 10oz plastic jars, 8oz and 22oz natural pack trays, and 16oz metal pull tabs. Our nutritious and healthy oyster meats have a seventeen day shelf life when stored correctly. For information on wholesale, direct-to-chef, and bulk orders for sales in the United States and other countries, please contact our Wholesale department. *Yearlings are subject to availability and may not ship the same day. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
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60-Second Video Tips: The Best Way to Shuck an Oyster
What size oyster shuckers are available?
Our expert, award winning oyster shuckers carefully separate the oyster from the shell by hand. Meat sizes include yearling, xsmall, small and medium. 16oz, 32oz,and 64oz tubs are available on line. Additionally we also pack in 8oz and 10oz plastic jars, 8oz and 22oz natural pack trays and 16oz metal pull tabs for wholesale sales.
How do you cook shucked oysters?
One popular way to cook shucked oysters is to fry them. Simply heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the oysters. Fry them for a few minutes, until they are golden brown. Another way to cook shucked oysters is to bake them. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then place the oysters on a baking sheet.
How do you eat fresh shucked oysters?
There are a few ways to enjoy fresh shucked oysters. The most popular way is to slurp them raw right out of the shell. Some people also like to add lemon, Tabasco sauce, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor. Another way to enjoy shucked oysters is to fry them. This can be done in a pan with some butter or olive oil.
How many oysters should you order?
Many pros, including Erin Murray, author of Shucked, have some pretty strong opinions about how many oysters you should order. In a restaurant setting, Murray recommends ordering 6 oysters per person, which could be great for an appetizer. However, ordering in bulk for a party is a different story.